The Mohegan Tribe and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal
Nation might team up for a joint casino in Connecticut.
The idea is still in its early stages. But the Mohegan Tribe believes a new facility will help the state compete with commercial casinos that will be opening in neighboring Massachusetts.
“We have the exclusive right,” Mitchell Etess, the chief executive officer of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, told the New London Day. "It’s very easy to foresee some type of legislative solution that would be owned by the tribes — that would maintain revenue for the state of Connecticut.”
The tribes maintain exclusive rights to offer Class III games under their compacts. In return they share 25 percent of slot machines revenues with the state.
To open a joint facility, the tribes would need Indian land. The Mohegans believe a site near the Massachusetts border would be the ideal location.
“We could do something to stop revenue from leaving the state,” Etess told The Day.
MGM Resorts International won a license to build a commercial casino in the western part of Massachusetts. The facility likely won't open until 2017 or 2018.
Get the Story:
Is a joint tribal casino on the Massachusetts border possible?
(The New London Day 11/12)
In wake of Massachusetts casino vote, Mohegan Sun explores expansion in Connecticut to compete with developments including MGM Springfield
(The Springfield Republican 11/12)
Mohegan Tribe, Legislator Talk About Expanding Gaming
(The Hartford Courant 11/12)
Mohegan Sun interested in adding a gaming facility in Connecticut
(The Connecticut Mirror 11/11)
Mohegan Sun seeking casino expansion
(WTNH 11/11)
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Column: Mohegan Tribe
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Connecticut tribes
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