Bridgeport still unsure about new casino

The Mayor of the seaport city in the state of Connecticut has taken a cautious approach when it comes to hosting a casino.

US.- Uri Clinton, senior vice president and legal counsel for MGM Resorts International, said that the company has no doubt that Bridgeport, Connecticut, is the perfect place for a casino, even if they haven’t been allowed to have any negotiations.

As CTPost reported, Joe Ganim, Mayor of Bridgeport, has faced uncertainty when it comes to make a decision about casinos in the state. Ganim has been courted by MGM to do an open competition to obtain the rights to build and operate a third casino in the state. Supporters believe that Bridgeport’s proximity to New York City makes it a perfect place since it has multiple transportation options.

Av Harris, the Mayor’s spokesman, said: “I think the mayor’s experience 25 years ago, it’s a cautionary tale and it’s a cautionary experience for him. He doesn’t want to get so far out on this thing only to see it blocked in the legislative process. He’s avoided a meeting up until this point just because it hasn’t been real. But as we get down to the wire in the (state Legislative) session and certain bills start to emerge, he’s more willing to meet with people. It doesn’t mean he’s committing in any way to a particular casino.”

Moreover, East Hartford has been considered as an option to develop the third casino in Connecticut. Last week the state’s Senate approved a gaming bill to allow further expansion of the industry. The new casino would be operated by a joint venture of the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes (MMCT), who have seemingly chosen East Windsor as the host community. Bridgeport will continue to push for a gambling facility in the area and more discussions about the project.