Malloy: Tribes' plan to build third Connecticut casino is the only realistic option

During an interview with CT Mirror, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said the only measure he would consider signing is a bill granting the owners of Connecticut’s two tribal casinos permission to build a commercial casino in East Windsor to compete with MGM Resorts International in Springfield.

There are two competing bills working their way through the General Assembly. One to allow the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes to build in East Windsor and the other to open the process to any interested entity.

The tribes have paid the state USD 7B since 1993 under the terms of agreements in which Connecticut granted gaming exclusivity to the tribal casinos, Foxwoods Resorts and Mohegan Sun, in return for annual payments equal to a 25 percent share of gross slots revenues. The deal is expected to produce at least $260 million for the state this year.

“If I can help the legislature focus, it’s do you want to work with the two tribal nations that employ thousands and thousand of people in our state? If that’s what you’re trying to do to help secure those jobs and that base, then there is one road to go down,” Malloy said. 

“I’m not pushing it, or pushing against it,” Malloy said. “But I always believe you should have a realistic discussion about realistic outcomes, and it’s not realistic to put $260 million or more at risk.”