Editorial: Questions about another tribal casino in Connecticut

The popularity of the Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort casinos peaked in 2007, as did the revenue they send to Connecticut, $430 million that year, representing 25 percent of the take from slot machines. Then the Great Recession hit. Combined with increased competition as other surrounding states welcomed casinos, it translated into a precipitous decline in business for the Connecticut gaming halls and large-scale layoffs.

Connecticut expects to get only $280 million in slot revenues this year and the Office of Fiscal Analysis forecasts that by 2018, with the Massachusetts gaming facilities opening, the number will be $191 million, which could prove optimistic.

To reduce the loss of business, Mohegan officials suggest construction of another Connecticut casino north of Hartford and south of the Massachusetts border, with the hope of at least keeping residents in north-central Connecticut from traveling to the MGM casino in Springfield. Hartford is roughly 50 miles from Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods, half that distance from Springfield.

This third casino would likely have to be jointly operated by the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes. Under their compact with the state, the Mohegans and Mashantuckets, who operate Foxwoods, have exclusive rights to run casinos in Connecticut. It would appear both would have to benefit to reopen the compact and allow a third gaming facility. The Mashantucket tribe has been silent about the idea.