A bill to authorize slot machines at non-Indian facilities in Connecticut has been killed after tribes said it would violate the Class III gaming compact.
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe share 25 percent of slot machine revenues in exchange for exclusivity on Class III games. Installing slots at off-track betting parlors would end the arrangement, tribal officials said.
The proposal was seen as a way for the state to compete with an expansion of gaming throughout New England, including neighboring Massachusetts.
Two commercial facilities, along with a third that would be operated by the Mashpee Wampanoag
Tribe pose a threat to Connecticut.
In the event the Mashpee plan doesn't come to fruition, the state has solicited
bids for a third commercial facility. The Mashantucket Tribe confirmed that it is in talks with one of the developers vying for the license.
Get the Story:
Slots Proposal Declared Dead For The Year
(The Hartford Courant 2/9)
Tribes: Plans To Expand Slots Would Invalidate Revenue Deal
(The Hartford Courant 2/7)
Foxwoods confirms New Bedford casino talks
(The New Bedford Standard-Times 2/6)
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