Editorial: Tribes in Connecticut need to discuss gaming options

It is time for Connecticut's tribal casinos to make their play. The Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes, operators of the Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort casinos, have indicated they will look for the state legislature's help in formulating a plan to mitigate the impact of the opening of casinos in Massachusetts.

The two casinos - having seen their gaming revenues plunge due to the double whammy of the recession and increased competition in nearby states - will take a major hit when Massachusetts residents soon have in-state casinos to attend.

The loss of patrons from Massachusetts will continue a trend in which more of the business at Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun comes from Connecticut residents, reducing the economic benefits.

Rather than circulating money from out-of-staters into the Connecticut economy and state coffers, the casinos are increasingly recirculating money from Connecticut residents.