Connecticut | Legislation

Bill for one more tribal casino in Connecticut sent to governor

Friday, May 29, 2015

Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Chairman Rodney Butler, left, and Mohegan Tribe Chairman Kevin Brown. Photo from CT Jobs Matter

A bill that paves the way for one more casino for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe cleared the Connecticut Legislature early this morning.

The House began debate on Senate Bill 1090 at around 10:30pm last night. It cleared the chamber by a 88-55 vote shortly after midnight.

"We are pleased and grateful to the state House of Representatives for their support of a plan to protect thousands of Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods jobs and revenue from out of state competition," Mashantucket Chairman Rodney Butler and Mohegan Chairman Kevin Brown said in a statement, according to news reports.

The Senate passed passed the bill last week. It can now be sent to Gov. Dannel Malloy (D) for his signature.

"This legislation, which we hope will be signed by the governor, will begin a process by the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes to invest millions to identify the best site for a satellite gaming facility in north central Connecticut, and to work with state and federal officials to ensure the state and our two tribal governments are legally protected," the tribes said.

The bill creates a two-step process for the new casino. The tribes will first solicit proposals for a public process and will then return to the Legislature for final approval with a host community.

The bill doesn't specify a location for the new facility but the tribes are looking at sites near the Massachusetts border. MGM Resorts International is building a $800 million casino in downtown Springfield, just a few miles from the state line.