Connecticut tribes bid for commercial casinos in Massachusetts

Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Filed Under: Casino Stalker | Connecticut
More on: florida, hard rock, mashantucket, massachusetts, mohegan, seminole

Artist's rendering of the proposed Mohegan Sun Palmer in Massachusetts. Image from Mohegan Tribe

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe, both from Connecticut, are looking to expand their gaming empires to neighboring Massachusetts.

The Mashantuckets are bidding on a license in the eastern part of the state, near Boston. The project has generated intense local opposition even though executives say their internal polling shows support at around 60 percent.

The Mohegans have been accepted more warmly in western Massachusetts. But the tribe is up against two gaming giants, including Hard Rock International, which is owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

In both cases, the tribes must negotiate an agreement with the host community. Voters in each community must then approve the casino.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission will make the final call on the licenses for both regions. Decisions are expected in early 2014.

Get the Story:
Connecticut's Casino Operators Gambling On Massachusetts (The Hartford Courant 7/28)