Competition between the four potential applicants for a casino license in the southeastern part of Massachusetts has become more intense mere weeks before the expiration of the deadline, set by the local Legislature.
The three companies that informed the Massachusetts Gaming Commission about their intentions to apply for the license in Region C are Mass Gaming and Entertainment LLC, the Seafan Trust (with its Sun Moon Resort project), and Somerset on the Move LLC.
Elaine Driscoll, a spokeswoman for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, told local media that all three of them will meet members of the Commission this week so as to give more comprehensive information about the people that are to be involved in the future projects, in case they are approved.
New York-based developer KG Urban has already submitted its application for the construction of a gambling venue in New Bedford.
Each applicant is expected to pay a $400,000 non-refundable fee upon filing its application.
Somerset on the Move is a collaboration between a group of real estate developers and the town, which owns the 100-acre site where a casino resort is to be built.
Donald Setters, who was appointed as a chairman of the board of selectmen, stated that they have opted for “one of the best pieces of property” in the area for their gambling venue.
Kathryn Wheaton, member of the Seafan Trust, pointed out that they have chosen a 500-acre site for their Sun Moon Resort. However, she refused to give more information as to where exactly the casino is planned to be located. She also stated that they will focus their attention on non-gambling activities.
Wheaton said that their main purpose is to offer the residents of Massachusetts a place where they can engage in various entertainment activities and gaming will be a small portion of what their resort will be featuring.
No information has been revealed about the Mass Gaming project as company’s representatives could not be reached.
Last year, the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe finally got the long-awaited approval for the construction of its $500-million casino in an industrial area in Taunton, a city in the southeastern part of the state. Back in December, the tribe filed an application to the Bureau of Indian Affairs to claim a 150-acre site in the city where the venue is to be located.
The agency is still reviewing the application.
Early in January, the tribe was informed that federal officials have given the nod to a compact between the Mashpee Wampanoag and Massachusetts. Once the venue opens doors, it will have to contribute to the state up to 21% of its revenue from gambling activities.
