The comprehensive selection process for Connecticut’s third casino inched a step closer to completion after the town of East Windsor signed on Saturday a development agreement to potentially host the gambling venue.
At a special meeting, the town’s board of selectmen expressed overwhelming support for the development. East Windsor is one of two candidates to host what would be the state’s third casino and its first on non-reservation land. Connecticut’s federally recognized tribes – the Mohegan Tribe and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe – had previously opened one casino each, with both venues located on tribal land.
The construction of a third casino received legislative approval two years ago, as the state has been looking for ways to fight competition from neighboring states. Gambling operator MGM Resorts International is currently building what would be the $950-million MGM Springfield, a casino resort in the Massachusetts city of Springfield.
Connecticut’s new gambling venue will come as a direct competitor to the aforementioned multi-million-dollar project. What is more, New York State legalized commercial gambling several years ago, and now hosts three casinos. This, too, is expected to have negative effects on Connecticut’s casino industry.
Connecticut’s third casino will be developed and operated by the MMCT Venture business entity, formed by the two tribes. Although the Saturday agreement put East Windsor ahead in the competition for a host to the new gambling venue, Windsor Locks, the other competitor, is still in the running. MMCT Venture representatives are negotiating such agreement with Windsor Locks officials, as well. It is believed that the preferred candidate will be announced very soon.
If East Windsor wins the race, it will build the casino at the long-vacated site of Showcase Cinemas. It will occupy 200,000 square feet and aside from a gaming floor with 2,000 slot machines and up to 150 table games, it will also feature restaurants, retail space, and different entertainment options.
Although the construction of a third casino in Connecticut has been approved by the state Legislature, the venture has had staunch opposition since it was announced. Opponents have argued that a new gambling venue would have truly negative economic and social impact. Traffic concerns have also been voiced in opposition to the project.
On the other hand, tribal officials and other casino proponents have tried to gain support for the effort by noting that it would result in new jobs being created and much-needed gambling revenue being kept to the state, instead of being lost to casinos in neighboring states.
