Connecticut Governor to sign casino bill

Under the proposed legislation, the Mohegan and the Mashantucket Pequot tribes would have to prepare a request for proposals from municipalities that are interested in hosting a casino which would compete gambling venues in neighboring states, particularly Massachusetts’ MGM Springfield.

Earlier this year, tribal chiefs announced that the property is likely to be located along Interstate 91 in the north-central part of Connecticut.

The chairmen of the two tribes released a joint statement on Friday, expressing their gratitude to the state General Assembly and Gov. Malloy for passing a bill that would protect Connecticut jobs. They also pointed out that the tribes would prepare a request for proposal within the next few weeks, working together with the Attorney General’s office in order to make sure that they are following closely the laws.

State Sen. Tim Larson (D-East Hartford), one of the keen supporters of the bill, recently commented that if signed into law, it would require the Mohegan and the Mashantucket Pequot tribes to monthly report on their progress with the casino project.

Furthermore, once an agreement between the tribes and the host community is reached, it would need to be reviewed by the Connecticut Attorney General to ensure that it does not violate the state’s existing deal with the Mohegans and the Mashantucket

Pequots. Under the current compact, the tribes are to contribute 25% of their slot machine revenue to the state.

The potential new casino could not open doors before the law is amended so as to permit casino gambling. In addition, the project needs to be considered by the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Quite expectedly, the bill’s passage met some strong opposition. For instance, Sen. John Kissel (R-Enfield) said it was a shame that Gov. Malloy would sign the proposed legislation. According to Sen. Kissel, residents of north-central Connecticut do not want a casino to be opened there. He also said that even if a new venue opens doors, the state is not likely to regain the gambling revenue it received once given the competition from neighboring states.