Nervous about the prospect of a casino repeal referendum, MGM is asking Massachusetts gaming industry regulators to delay awarding a casino license for the company’s Springfield project.
MGM Springfield President Mike Mathis asked the Massachusetts Gaming Commission on Thursday to continue its evaluation of MGM’s $800 million casino project, but stop just short of issuing a license.
"What we find ourselves in because of the repeal effort is the award of a license that does not allow for the commencement of construction."
Mathis said the actual casino license award, expected by the end of next month, would obligate MGM to immediately pay out up to $200 million for fees and closing costs for the project--money it could lose if the state’s casino law is repealed. The gaming commission took no action on MGM’s request. The Supreme Judicial Court will hear arguments May 5th on whether to allow the repeal question on the November Election ballot.
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