A former Wall Street investment banker who has spent the last few years turning around troubled casino, Scott Butera is taking over as Foxwoods new chief executive.

God knows the financially struggling tribal casino could use Butera’s help as it battles to break free of a crushing, $2 billion debt load.

Anyway, fielding questions from reporters at a Thursday press conference at the Connecticut casino, Butera said argued that casino legalization in Massachusetts is all but a matter of time, despite recent stumbles.

In fact, Butera is already gearing up for the challenge, calling upon Foxwoods to transform itself into a destination that will continue to draw Bay State gamblers, even after new casinos open up in Massachusetts.

“We can’t just be a gaming establishment,’’ Butera said. “We have to be a destination.’’

But Butera’s assessment is at odds with the suddenly cool approach Gov. Deval Patrick and House Speaker Robert DeLeo are taking on the issue.

Patrick, who has said he is prepared to sign a casino bill but won’t agree to racetrack slots, says it’s now up to the Legislature.

DeLeo said he has more important things to focus on when the new legislative session kicks off early next year.

Of course, that’s what they always say. I’m with Butera on this one. Expect another late spring/early summer gambling push.