Brockton officials announced that they want the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to take imminent actions towards approving one of the three proposals related to the casino establishment in Brockton, New Bedford or Somerset. They also demanded a license to be granted as soon as possible.
Bill Carpenter, Mayor of Brockton, submitted a letter to the Commission in which he expressed officials’ concern that the southeastern part of Massachusetts might never have its gambling market untapped. Mayor Carpenter also emphasized that they are not willing to wait for an indefinite period of time until the Gaming Commission makes a final decision.
Unlike the southeastern part of the state, the Greater Boston area as well as Western Massachusetts will have their casinos established. However, the casino affairs in the southeastern part were subject to several delays mainly because of the Taunton casino project proposed by the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe.
The latter has been a widely discussed issue over the last couple of years. The tribe is not obliged to comply with the state casino regulations. In order to establish a casino in Southeastern Massachusetts, it has just to acquire land into trust and get the approval of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs.
People familiar with the matter have been reluctant to reveal any details about the possible construction of a tribal casino in the region and the uncertainty halted the state casino project.
Back in March, the Commission granted a deadline extension so New Bedford and Somerset could have enough time to prepare their proposals.
Meanwhile, Commission members proposed a new market research to be conducted before a license is granted. What made them recommend such a solution was the fact that the future casino is expected to be the least profitable one not only because of the smaller population but also because of the increased competition of the neighboring states.
Brockton Mayor also added that the company that is in charge of the casino project, Mass Gaming & Entertainment, was prepared to meet the requirements and the deadline set by state gambling authorities.
Local residents will have the opportunity to vote for or against the casino project on May 12th.
In conclusion, Mayor Carpenter said that the establishment of a casino in Brockton would be quite beneficial to the economy as permanent job positions are to be created.
