Connecticut | Legislation

Connecticut governor signs measure for another tribal casino

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy (D) speaks at the opening of the new Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods in May. Photo from Facebook

Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy (D) on Monday signed into law a bill that paves the way for one more casino for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe.

Senate Bill 1090 creates a two-step process for the new facility. The tribes will first solicit proposals for a public process and will then return to the Legislature for final approval with a host community.

A location hasn't been specified but the tribes are considering sites near the Massachusetts border. MGM Resorts International is building a $800 million casino in downtown Springfield, just a few miles from the state line.

The New England Casino Race: Tribal and commercial gaming facilities in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island

The tribes have said they will invest at least $300 million in a new facility. They also estimate they could lose up to 9,300 jobs if the state maintains the status quo without addressing competition.

Both tribes bid on commercial casinos in Massachusetts but were kicked out of the process when voters rejected their proposals at the polls. The Mashantucket Tribe, though, is trying again with a $650 million development in New Bedford, in the southeastern part of the state. The polls are open today.

Get the Story:
Gov. Malloy Signs Casino Bill Into Law (The Hartford Courant 6/23)
New Bedford voters to decide on $650M Foxwoods casino proposal (AP 6/23)