Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signed on Monday a bill that allows the beginning of a multi-step process for the potential construction of a new tribal casino across the state border. The gambling venue would be the first one not to be located on tribal land.
With the bill being signed into law, the Mashantucket Pequots and the Mohegans, known to be Connecticut’s two federally recognized tribes, can now issue a request for proposals from municipalities that would like to host the new casino. The property is intended to blunt competition from gaming facilities in neighboring states, particularly MGM Resorts in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Representatives for both tribes have previously said that the potential new gambling venue would most likely be located along Interstate 91 in the north-central part of Connecticut.
The request for proposals is now to be posted on the official website of the Department of Consumer Protection so as for interested host communities to be able to review it.
When the bill was first introduced, Attorney General George Jepsen voiced concerns that the construction of a casino on a non-tribal land could violate Connecticut’s agreement with the two tribes and could affect the gaming revenue they contribute to the state in a negative manner. Under the current compact, both the Mashantucket Pequots and the Mohegans pay a 25% tax on their revenue from slot machines.
The official’s reaction resulted in an amendment to the original proposal. The amendment, in turn, led to the creation of a two-step process for the approval of the legislation. After the bill was given the green light by the House of Representatives, Mr. Jepsen wrote in a statement that it did not present any legal problems.
Currently, the Mashantucket Pequot tribe manages the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, and the Mohegan tribe runs Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Montville. Being signed into law, the bill would require both tribes to monthly report on their progress with their joint casino project.
Earlier this month, the chairmen of the two tribes thanked Connecticut legislators for supporting a bill that would protect state jobs. They also promised that they would work closely with the Attorney General’s office to prepare a request for proposals that would comply with the laws.
The casino proposal also needs to be reviewed by the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs.
