Connecticut remains optimistic on tribal casino
The venue in East Windsor has seen some delays but state officials remain optimistic and believe it will come through.
US.- Amid a lobbying battle with MGM Resorts, the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes (MMCT) met yet another hurdle for its casino in East Windsor when Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen urged them to stop the development until getting federal regulatory approval. However, despite the delays, East Windsor First Selectman Robert Maynard believes the venue will be built.
“I think things are right on schedule,” Mr Maynard said and projected that the venue will be developed in East Windsor. The MMCT has already completed the demolition work at the construction site but no further work has been done yet. However, it is expected that construction will begin before the end of this year.
The town’s First Selectman explained that his only concern was that MGM may buy Wynn’s casino project in Everett, abandon its Massachusetts development in Springfield and sell it to the MMCT, leaving East Windsor without its own gaming venue. However, after Wynn revealed the casino will be rebranded as the Encore Boston Harbor to break apart from Steve Wynn’s sexual misconduct scandal instead of selling it, Maynard regained his confidence.
The MMCT are expected to spend between US$300 million and US$400 million in the area while creating 4,300 jobs (both directly and indirectly) and promised to hire 650 Hartford-area residents.
