The Massachusetts Gaming
Commission accepted 11 casino applications by a 5pm deadline on Tuesday, raising $4.4 million in the process.
The commission will use the money to conduct background checks on the applicants.
The information will be used to help determine the winning bids for two casinos and two slot machine parlors.
"We're thrilled to have robust competition," commission chairman Stephen Crosby said at a press conference, The Cape Cod Times reported.
The western Massachusetts casino drew four bids. They include the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut
and the Seminole Tribe of
Florida, through its Hard Rock
International.
The southeastern Massachusetts casino is not open for bidding because the
law gives the first shot to "a federally recognized tribe." The Mashpee Wampanoag
Tribe anticipates gaining approval for the casino.
However, the commission accepted applications from two developers who want to build slot parlors within 25 miles of the tribe's site in Taunton, the Times reported.
The lack of regional exclusivity could affect Class III compact negotiations.
The commission also might accept more applications. Crosby said several potential bidders sought waivers from yesterday's deadline, so those waivers will be put to a vote.
Get the Story:
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Eleven apply to build casinos in Bay State (The Cape Cod Times 1/16)
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