Indianz.Com > Indian Gaming

Lawmaker wants Mashantucket Tribe out of casino bid process

Thursday, October 31, 2013



The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is being urged to disqualify the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut from pursuing a commercial casino.

The tribe wants to build the $1 billion Foxwoods Massachusetts in the eastern part of the state. But State Rep. Carolyn Dykema (D) says the tribe isn't suitable due the indictments of two leaders and its financial past.

"Everything in Rep. Dykema's letter has been or is being considered and thoroughly vetted by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission," Scott Butera, the president and CEO of Foxwoods Resort Casino, told The New London Day in response. "To think that these issues aren't being addressed is not accurate. At the end of the day, we believe our best practices will stand up at the suitability hearing."

The project faces a referendum in the town of Milford on November 19. Assuming the casino wins voter approval, the tribe and its partners will face a suitability hearing as part of the bidding process.

Three companies are bidding for the license in eastern Massachusetts.

Get the Story:
Mass. lawmaker would reject Foxwoods casino bid (The New London Day 10/31) Related Stories:
Connecticut tribes face votes on casino bids in Massachusetts (09/13)