Two weeks ago, Connecticut’s Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Tribes issued a request for proposals for the launch of a jointly operated casino that would aim at fending off competition from neighboring Massachusetts.
Major gambling operator MGM Resorts International is building a $800-million casino resort in Springfield and it is expected to be completed and opened in 2018. Connecticut’s two federally recognized tribes have been pursuing the opportunity to establish what would be the state’s third casino in order to prevent residents in its northern part from gambling at the Massachusetts property, which in turn would lead to revenue being lost to MGM Springfield.
What is more, a study that has been conducted not long ago pointed that the two casinos in Connecticut – one operated by the Mohegan Tribe and the other by the Mashantucket Pequots – could lose more than 9,000 employees due to competition coming from neighbors. This is why the two tribes decided that something needs to be done and although they have long been rivals, they are now ready to join forces and to jointly run a third casino in the state.
The new gambling venue is likely to be built in the northern part of Connecticut. Towns in the region have already expressed interest in hosting the casino, with East Hartford, East Windsor, and Windsor Locks being among those.
East Hartford Mayor Marcia Leclerc had previously said that her town had not been keen on being home to a gambling venue. However, residents were informed that if a casino is built there, it would generate substantial tax revenue and this would result in lower property taxes. Now, East Hartford is among the Northern Connecticut’s towns that are preparing to submit a proposal.
Currently, there are more than 51,200 people residing in the town. And apart from the tax benefits they would receive, East Hartford will also be secured with a major employer – something that it needs badly. The current unemployment rate in the town is 7.6%.
A real estate developer has already proposed a plan to renovate and expand the 75,000-square-foot building of a former cinema.
East Windsor is another town that is planning to submit a casino proposal by November 6, the due date announced in the tribal request for proposals. The town currently has 11,100 residents. East Windsor First Selectman Denise Menard told media that a proposal would be submitted due to the tax revenue that could be generated as well as the benefits to local businesses the construction of the new casino may have.
Windsor Locks, a town of 12,500 residents, is the third one that is likely to submit a proposal for hosting the tribal gambling venue. First Selectman Steven N. Wawruck said that if approved, the casino may open doors near or at UTC Aerospace Systems, a major regional employer.
However, a new board of selectmen is to be voted on on November 3 and this means that the town may have to discuss the matter and to decide whether a proposal would eventually be handed with the newly elected officials.
Even though the construction of the new casino is expected to bring numerous benefits to the Northern Connecticut region, there are towns that are not keen on the idea of hosting the facility. Enfield is one such town. Officials said that they would not submit a proposal as residents have expressed concerns that the establishment of the venue may result in heavier traffic as well as additional costs related to increased police presence and other services.
