Gambling operator MGM Resorts International said on Wednesday that it would do its best to stop the establishment of a tribal casino in Connecticut that would be intended to compete with the Las Vegas-based company’s property in Springfield, Massachusetts.
William Hornbuckle, President of MGM, commented that his company would not “go peacefully” and is currently contemplating its options on how to prevent the Connecticut casino from being opened. However, the businessman did not reveal further details.
Last month, Connecticut legislators and Gov. Dannel Malloy approved a bill that authorized the state’s two federally recognized tribes – the Mohegans and the Mashantucket Pequots, to start looking for a host municipality for their joint casino project. However, the Legislature still needs to amend an important law that would allow the two tribes to operate a gambling venue outside tribal lands.
Once the bill was signed into law, three towns – Enfield, East Windsor, and East Hartford – voiced interest to host the future property.
Currently, there are two operating casinos on the territory of Connecticut – Mohegan Sun, run by the Mohegan Tribe, and Foxwoods Resort Casino, run by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe. Earlier this year, the two venues issued a joint report, according to which more than 9,300 casino workers are at risk of losing their jobs due to competition coming from neighboring states.
This is why the two tribes and state legislators decided that a new property in the Hartford area would help Connecticut keep its gambling industry alive. The potential venue is to be a direct competition to the $800-million MGM Springfield.
Lawmakers hope that a host municipality would be selected before the beginning of the next year’s legislative session in February. Once this is done, the construction is expected to start immediately and the casino is to open doors in 2017. The two tribes have previously pointed out that their new property is to feature between 1,800 and 2,000 slot machines and up to 75 table games, with poker included.
In comparison, MGM Springfield is to offer 3,000 slot machines and 100 table games such as roulette, blackjack, and poker. Initially, the casino was scheduled to open doors in 2017. However, the reconstruction of an important viaduct would delay its launch by a year.
Following the latest comments from MGM officials, Rep. Stephen D. Dargan, Co-chairman of the Connecticut Public Safety Committee, which oversees the state’s legalized gambling, said that they are determined to protect the local casinos’ market share. He also pointed out that MGM’s tactics would not scare them and both legislators and tribes would proceed with their plan.
Representatives for the Mohegans and the Mashantucket Pequots could not be reached for their comments on the matter.
