Connecticut | Legislation

Mashantucket Tribe wasn't told about partner's gaming bid

Friday, January 13, 2012

MGM Resorts International didn't inform the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, one of its partners, about plans for a casino in western Massachusetts.

"They didn't know we were going to be here," Bill Hornbuckle, MGM's chief marketing officer, told The New London Day. "We were trying to keep it quiet."

The tribe offered a curt but friendly response when asked about MGM's announcement yesterday. "We wish MGM well," a spokesperson told the paper.

The tribe and MGM partnered in 2008 to open the MGM Grand at Foxwoods. The agreement hasn't been terminated but an MGM executive indicated that's always been an option.

MGM's proposed Rolling Hills Resort in Brimfield would compete directly with the Pequot casino. And it would compete with the casino owned by the Mohegan Tribe, which is also seeking a casino license in western Massachusetts.

Get the Story:
MGM Resorts announces casino plan in Massachusetts (The New London Day 1/13)
Foxwoods not objecting to MGM interest in Mass. (The Norwich Bulletin 1/13)
MGM Resorts To Make Bid For Casino In Brimfield, Mass. (The Hartford Courant 1/12)