Representatives from Connecticut’s two federally recognized Indian tribes say Gov. M. Jodi Rell’s plan to have the state lottery corporation offer Keno could violate the state’s compact with the tribes, putting at risk the state’s share of slot machine revenues from the tribal casinos.
Keno is expected to generate $60 million a year for the state. But Rell says she hopes to raise $400 million immediately to fill a state budget hole by borrowing again future Keno revenues.
The legislature’s Public Safety Committee, which oversees gambling issues, held an informational hearing Tuesday on the proposal.
While state gaming regulators say the state can offer Keno as another lottery game, the tribal representatives say Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun may have exclusive rights to it. (AP)
