DiMasi led the effort to kill the plan. The Boston Democrat argued the revenues would be offset by social and economic costs, including lost business at traditional tourist destinations.

More recently, though, potential successors have been jockeying for position as the speaker has faced allegations of ethical lapses. DiMasi has said he's not leaving and Patrick answered a flat "no" when asked whether his comments in Brookline were rooted in a suspicion the speaker would leave.

Yet on two occasions with his audience, the governor raised the prospect of a renewed gambling debate.

Patrick held fast to his support for the plan, despite criticism from one questioner, who labeled casino gambling "predatory."

The governor said he once had doubts about casinos, but he felt the gains outweighed the costs.

"It may yet come back in the Legislature. I acknowledge it's hard," he said of his plan.

Later, when asked about how to provide permanent property tax relief, the governor complained the House had rejected four ideas he proposed.

After ticking off his ideas for a 1 percent increases in the meals and hotels taxes, as well as closing a telecommunications tax loophole, he said, "Resort casinos have been rejected for the time being."

Moments later, Patrick added: "We've got to think of some better ideas than just moving the same revenues around."

A DiMasi spokeswoman refused comment.