Connecticut lawmakers debate casino project
Legislators from Bridgeport and New Haven are set to debate the launch of a process to determine where to open a new casino.
US.- The first casino in Connecticut might be getting closer as lawmakers from Bridgeport and New Haven are urging the state to launch a competitive process to determine where it should be located. The bill aims to establish the first step in a two-stage competitive process that would direct the Commissioners of Consumer Protection and Economic and Community Development to solicit responses to an RFP for a proposed commercial casino gaming facility; evaluate the responses; and select a single, qualified responder for the legislature to consider.
“The numbers tell the story. As has happened in every other state that licenses commercial casinos, a competitive process will bring Connecticut the best deal, in terms of jobs, economic development, community benefits, and support for our local businesses,” Rep. Chris Rosario said in a statement and added: “This process will let every developer with an interest – whether it is MGM or the Tribes or anyone else – give it their best shot. It is a process that is consistent with industry best practices, and it’s best for Connecticut.”
The operator of the facility will be required to create a minimum 2,000 direct jobs, invest a minimum US$500 million, pay a US$50 million nonrefundable license fee due before construction, 25 per cent of the annual gross gaming revenue on both Slots and Tables, and an additional 10 per cent of the annual gross gaming revenue from the operation of video slot machine games to fund Educational Cost Sharing grants for distribution to municipalities.
