Gambling operator MGM Resorts submitted a few days ago a new construction schedule for its $800-million casino project in Springfield. The developer asked the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for a permission to postpone the opening of the gaming property to September 2018. Following this announcement, Connecticut’s two federally recognized tribes commented that the delay would benefit their potential joint casino, which is to be located near the state’s boarder with Massachusetts.
As reported earlier this week, Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signed into law a bill that authorizes the beginning of a bidding process for the construction of a new casino. It is to be managed by the Mashantucket Pequots and the Mohegans. Tribal officials can now issue a request for proposals from municipalities that are interested in hosting the gambling venue.
Given its potential location – along Connecticut’s border with neighboring Massachusetts, it could be said that the tribal casino would be a direct competition to MGM Springfield, once both facilities are completed and launched.
Officials from the Mashantucket Pequot tribe have recently said that the request would be issued as soon as possible.
Those of Connecticut’s residents who frequent casinos seem to be keen on the new tribal project. Local media reported that a great number of people have said that they would remain loyal to the state and would visit the tribal casino, even if MGM Springfield is located closer to their place of residence.
The Mohegan Tribe Chairman, Kevin Brown, commented that the one-year delay of the Massachusetts project would allow the state tribes to “get a shovel in the ground” before MGM Resorts does.
MGM Resorts asked for the one-year delay of its project, due to the planned reconstruction of the Interstate 91 viaduct. The rehabilitation project is expected to close key lanes and exits not far from the $800-million casino facility. And the gambling operator pointed out that this would hamper builders’ work and would block the access to the property.
Those key exits are scheduled to be reopened in August 2018. This is why MGM Resorts asked for a permission to launch its venue a month later.
The new construction schedule that the gambling operator submitted is yet to be reviewed by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. This will happen no earlier than July, when the regulator’s next open meeting will take place.
