The legislation is not what tribal officials hoped for at the beginning of the legislative session.
Governor Dannel Malloy has signed a bill setting out a multi-step process that could lead to a new tribal casino along the Connecticut border. The measure allows the tribes to request proposals from communities interested in hosting a casino.
The legislation is not what tribal officials hoped for at the beginning of the legislative session. The initial bill would have allowed the Commissioner of Consumer Protection to authorize up to three gaming facility licenses. Casino expansion supporters are concerned about new facilities opening up in Massachusetts, including the MGM resort across the border in Springfield. "Massachusetts has declared economic war on us, we're going to fight back," said State Sen. Majority Leader Bob Duff at a press event in March.
Officials have already suggested they'd like to locate one facility along the I-91 corridor in central northern Connecticut. Communities in East Hartford, East Windsor, and Windsor Locks have expressed interest in hosting a casino.
The bill cleared the legislature with an 88-to-55 vote in the House of Representatives, but that is not indicative of legislative support for casino expansion. Lawmakers said it is merely "first step" legislation.
New Bedford Votes on Foxwoods Proposal
Voter approval is critical for the plan to advance in the competition for the state's third and final resort casino license.
New Bedford residents vote Tuesday on a proposed $650 million Foxwoods resort casino for the Massachusetts city's waterfront. A development group that includes former Foxwoods CEO Scott Butera wants to build a glitzy resort on the site of a former power plant.
Voter approval is critical for the plan to advance in the competition for the state's third and final resort casino license.
"New Bedford needs to make a change," said Robert Gifford after casting his yes vote. "We don't have many choices. Maybe we do, but I just don't see it. Where else are we going to get the jobs and the revenue?"
Opponents say they're concerned that a casino would only lead to more crime and traffic. "The city's got enough problems. This is only going to make things worse," said Sean Peters after casting his no vote.
Elections officials said turnout early in the day was light to moderate.
The Massachusetts casino industry kicks off Wednesday with the opening of PlainridgePark, a slots parlor in Plainville. The facility boasts over 1,200 slots, live harness-racing, restaurants, and entertainment.
This report includes information from The Associated Press.
