MGM pushing hard for Bridgeport casino

The Bridgeport casino battle is on between the MMCT and MGM… and the latter seems to be winning, at least in total expenses.

US.- The Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribal nations (MMCT) and MGM Resorts continue to fight for the casino market on north-eastern US, with both set to open casinos on the Massachusetts-Connecticut state line while competing for a Bridgeport venue. The international operator seems to have an edge over the tribes on the latter as it has outspent them in lobbying campaigns.

The main dispute between the two came as the MMCT wanted – and finally received – a permit to develop a casino in East Windsor, just south of the Massachusetts state line and the MGM Springfield. According to the tribes, this venue would have affected Connecticut’s casino business had they not been granted a license to operate a casino within the Constitution State.

Nonetheless, both voiced their interest in developing a new venue in Bridgeport, southwestern Connecticut and MGM seems to have the upper hand on that one, as it has spent over US$3.8 million in ad campaigns and lobbying. The MMCT hasn’t even reach the US$1.2 million mark and is up against expert lobbyists hired by the casino giant.

Andrew Doba, spokesman for the MMCT said: “It’s par for the course. MGM has shown, month after month, year after year, that they are willing to spend ungodly amounts of money to prevent Connecticut from taking the logical and necessary steps to protect jobs and revenue.”