Connecticut passes bill favouring MGM

A bill that would allow new casino proposals in Connecticut was passed by the State House and sent to the Senate for further discussion.

US.- The future of the casino landscape in Connecticut continues to be uncertain as a new tribal venue faces delays and lawmakers move forward with legislation allowing new proposals to be submitted. The State House passed a bill that would allow proposals like the one MGM has in store for Bridgeport and sent the matter to the Senate.

The Friday vote was closed with a narrow 77 to 73 in favour of the proposed bill that would have applicants investing at least US$500 million in a casino which would have to generate 2,000 jobs. In addition, proposals would also have to pay a one-time US$50 million licensing fee in order to get the project authorised.

MGM Resorts, which is already set to open a venue over the state line in Springfield, Massachusetts, looks forward to seeing the bill passed in order to develop another casino in Bridgeport. “Connecticut is one step closer to adopting a best-in-class process for possible selection of a commercial casino operator,” said MGM Senior Vice President Uri Clinton.

However, despite lawmakers appearing to approve the initiative so far, the proposal has drawn heavy criticism from the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes, which are trying to develop their own venue in East Windsor. The tribes have already cleared the land where the new venue would stand but have been facing legal hurdles that delayed its construction.

In addition, there have been some concerns raised over the potential decision by the tribes to stop sharing gaming revenues with the state should they lose the exclusive rights to operate casinos in Connecticut. However, it is now up to the Senate to determine whether to take it into consideration or ignore a potential dispute with the tribes.