Gov. Deval Patrick is offering lawmakers an ultimatum: Pass a series of stalled bills and he'll consider signing a casino bill that includes a slots parlor.

Patrick has opposed slots but said Thursday he'll accept one competitively bid parlor along with the casinos he and lawmakers favor. House leaders support slot parlors at racetracks, Senate leaders don't.

The disagreement has blocked health care and criminal records bills as lawmakers near the Saturday end of their formal sessions.

A spokesman for Speaker Robert DeLeo says the House and Senate are working hard on Patrick's bills and DeLeo welcomes his involvement.

The governor spoke Thursday after a bit of Statehouse theatrics. First he walked from his office to DeLeo's. Then he walked past reporters to meet with Senate President Therese Murray in the Senate reading room.