Connecticut's two federally recognized tribes operate highly successful casinos on their reservations. Now they are looking elsewhere for more gaming opportunities.

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation is financing tribal projects in California and Arizona. A commercial casino in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is in the works.

The Mohegan Tribe already operates a commercial slot machine facility in Pennsylvania. The tribe is also financing other tribes in Washington and Wisconsin.

"My answer to your question of why is, Why not?" Michael Thomas, the Pequot chairman, told The New York Times.

The Pequots are even looking beyond the continental U.S., with potential projects in the Virgin Islands and the Bahamas. The Mohegans are interested in Massachusetts, where casino-style gaming could be legalized.

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Beyond the Reservation (The New York Times 9/22)
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