"Connecticut's lawmakers need to pay more attention to one of the most powerful economic forces in the state — Indian gaming. That was the resounding message sent last Thursday at the first-ever Native American Economic Summit held at the Connecticut Convention Center.

The state's two casinos — Foxwoods Resort and Mohegan Sun — are economic phenomenons that combine to contribute more than $422 million annually to state coffers and have deposited $4.2 billion in the state treasury since Foxwoods opened its doors in 1992. Mohegan Sun opened in 1996 and, under a compact negotiated with former Gov. Lowell P. Weicker in 1993 (and later amended to include the Mohegans), each casino pays the state 25 percent of its monthly slot-machine winnings.

With more than 20,000 employees between them, Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods are two of the state's five largest employers, with a combined annual payroll of $838 million, and the ability to attract nearly 28 million patrons annually.

The two casinos are already billion-dollar-plus properties and each has a major expansion under way. Foxwoods is building its $700 million MGM Grand at Foxwoods, set to open next summer; and Mohegan Sun will break ground soon on Project Horizon, a $760 million third phase.

The current Foxwoods project has created 1,660 full- and part-time jobs and $426 million in construction wages. The Mohegan Tribe expects to employ 1,790 full- and part-time laborers and tradesmen and pay out $481 million in construction-related salaries.

The numbers are staggering."

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Editorial: Economic Powerhouses (The New London Day 6/17)
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