Mashantucket Tribe needs majority partner for casino plan



With a referendum fast approaching, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut is still looking for a majority partner for its commercial casino in eastern Massachusetts.

The tribe is lending its name to the $1 billion Foxwoods Massachusetts. But the tribe is only financing 10 percent of the operation, with another 35 percent coming from other partners, according to news reports.

Foxwoods president and CEO Scott Butera told the Massachusetts Gaming Commission that a deal for the 55 percent majority partner could come within days That's putting it close to the November 19 referendum in the town of Milford.

“Investors wanted to see we had an agreement with the town,” Butera told the commission at a hearing on Wednesday, The MIlford Daily News reported. “Since that was signed, we have been actively involved in negotiations and we have two strong offers.”

Even if voters approve the casino, the commission must still make a suitability determination. That hasn't happened because all of the financial partners aren't known.

Get the Story:
Massachusetts regulators raise flags about Foxwoods Milford casino plan (State House News Service 11/13)
Mass. gaming panel questions Mashantucket tribal council appointment (The New London Day 11/13)
Milford casino: Mass. Gaming Commission questions developers (The Milford Daily News 11/14)

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Editorial: Vote for Mashantucket Tribe casino in Massachusetts (11/11)

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