Eleven firms file to develop Massachusetts casinos

One company – joined by a Western Massachusetts city mayor – asked for an extension, citing extenuating circumstances.

Citing the several changes of heart Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse has had on the issue of casino gambling, Paper City Development and Chicopee Mayor Michael Bissonnette are asking the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for more time to file an application and the us$ 400,000 non-refundable fee to be considered for the region's sole gaming license, the Springfield Republican reports.

Three other firms also requested extensions, which are expected to be difficult to obtain – Good Sam’s Casino, WM Development Co. and The Seafan Trust, according to the Associated Press.

Meanwhile, two firms ponied up the us$ 400,000 filing fee, but haven't said yet whether they will pursue a slots parlor or a full casino. Chicago's Rush Street Gaming, led by Neil Bluhm, got in just under the wire. Rush Street didn't speficy exactly where it plans to locate, but indicated it is considering spots in the Boston area – which could put it in competition with Wynn Resorts, Caesar's and Crossroads and Warner Gaming (Milford) for the sole Eastern Massachusetts casino license.

Caesar's is working to build a casino at Suffolk Downs in East Boston. Wynn plans a casino in Everett on the former Monsanto site. The Boston Business Journal reported in December that part of the site Wynn is looking at is, in fact, in the city of Boston – which ranks high among a host of issues that could scuttle the proposed Everett casino.