"We knew this day would eventually come, the day when neighboring states would approve plans to expand casino gambling within their borders, creating a competitive threat to Connecticut’s two hugely successful casinos.

Last week, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick signed into law legislation authorizing three casinos to be built in the state. Although still a few years away from becoming reality, the impact will be significant. Roughly 7 percent of the patrons of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun are Massachusetts residents — visitors who bring an estimated $1 billion a year across the border.

We suspect that both the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribal leaders have been preparing for this day and will have contingencies in place by the time the competition comes. The Mohegans are actively pursuing one of the three Massachusetts casino licenses to be awarded."

Get the Story:
Our View: Casinos stand to lose patrons (The Norwich Bulletin 11/28)

Related Stories:
Column: Support Mohegan Tribe casino bid in Massachusetts (11/21)
Tribes in Connecticut turn their sights towards Massachusetts (11/16)