The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal
Nation and the Mohegan
Tribe reached an agreement that addresses the operation of Keno in Connecticut.
Each tribe will receive 12.5 percent of the gross gaming revenues from Keno operations across the state. The deal addresses the fact that the tribes each share 25 percent of slot machines revenues with the state in exchange for exclusivity on Class III games.
"These agreements are the result of productive and cooperative negotiations between the state and the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes and represent the next step forward in bringing keno to the state," Ben Barnes, the secretary of the state's Office of Policy and Management, said in a press release.
State officials have sought to introduce Keno for several years. But the tribes contended the game would have violated their exclusivity arrangements.
"One critical point seems certain: a possible violation of the Tribal/State slot machine agreements could put at risk more than $400 million in state revenues," then attorney general Richard Blumenthal said in a legal opinion issued in 2009. "Therefore, after the details are determined as to the Keno game proposal, the most prudent and responsible course, fiscally and legally, would seem to be an amendment to the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot slot machine agreements."
The Connecticut Lottery Corporation could launch the games as early as next spring, The Hartford Courant reported. Revenue projections have varied widely over the years.
Get the Story:
State Reaches Keno Deal With Tribes, Paving Way For Games
(The Hartford Courant 10/7)
State, tribe reach agreement on Keno
(The New London Day 10/7)
State, Tribes Ink Keno Revenue Share
(CT News Junkie 10/6)
Connecticut to allow keno in thousands of outlets
(AP 10/6)
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