Connecticut tribes see another win as court refuses to rehear casino challenge

Monday, September 11, 2017

MGM Resorts International is building a $950 million commercial casino in Springfield, Massachusetts. Photo: MGM Springfield

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe have scored another win in their bid to open a new casino in Connecticut.

In a unanimous decision, the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the legality of a state law that paved the way for the development. The court has since refused a request to rehear the case, The New London Day reported.

But the battle isn't over. MGM Resorts International, the non-Indian company behind the case, plans to challenge a second law that authorized the new tribal casino, the paper said.

The tribes are planning to build their casino in East Windsor. The location was chosen because it's only about 13 miles from Springfield, Massachusetts, where MGM is building a $950 million commercial facility.

The New England Casino Race: Tribal and commercial gaming facilities in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island

The tribe will operate their project outside of the framework of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act so federal approval isn't needed. The site in East Windsor won't be taken into trust either.

But the tribes are asking the Bureau of Indian Affairs to confirm that the new casino, which will offer slot machines and other Class III games, won't disturb their existing gaming rights.

The tribe have yet to break ground on their facility but they hope it can be completed before the end of 2018. MGM's casino is expected to open around the same time.

Read More on the Story:
MGM won't get rehearing in challenge of 3rd-casino law enacted in 2015 (The New London Day September 11, 2017) $P 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals Decision:
MGM Resorts International v. Malloy (June 20, 2017)