“Makes no sense to have a landlord go through the same lengthy review as a casino operator and stands in the way of its opening and creating business activity and employment,” said Sen. Ray Lesniak, D-Union, who is running for governor.
Last week, the state Casino Control Commission ruled Straub must have a gaming license despite leasing casino operations to a third party. Straub has vowed to challenge the ruling in court, which could further delay gaming there.
State gaming laws require Straub to have a license to operate a casino on the property. Straub says he should not be required to apply for the license because of his plans to lease the casino area.
The bill was introduced Monday. No committee hearing date has been set.
The property contains 13 restaurants, a 32,000-square-foot spa, 55,000 square feet of retail space and a parking garage with more than 7,000 spaces.