Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket will plunk down nearly $31 million annually for Milford, Mass. if the Greater Boston community is willing to host a $1 billion casino.
Foxwoods is still in negotiations with Milford, but $31 million would be the largest per capita payment for a host community of the three proposals vying for the sole casino license in Greater Boston. Wynn Resorts is offering $25 million, or $587 per resident, in Everett; and Caesars Entertainment is offering $32 million, or $50 per resident, in Boston.
The host community agreement is one of a number of hurdles Foxwoods must cross in order to build a location in Massachusetts. Its $1 billion casino proposal also must win a local referendum in Milford. Then the Massachusetts Gaming Commission will pick between Wynn, Caesars, and Foxwoods for the one license in the Greater Boston part of the state.
Foxwoods’ proposal is considered the dark horse in the race, as the Wynn and Caesars proposals are in more urban centers and closer to the main gaming market in Massachusetts. Foxwoods is battling for the license by offering an significant investment in its property, a proposal that includes 500 hotel rooms and 1,000 acres of protected space. In addition to the $31 million annual payment, Foxwoods is offering Milford a $34 million upfront payment.
Massachusetts plans on awarding three resort casino licenses in the Greater Boston, southeastern, and western areas of the state, along with a slots parlor. Those four gaming establishments will siphon off business from Foxwoods’ property in Connecticut, along with that of its rival, Mohegan Sun in Uncasville.
Mohegan Sun is vying against Hard Rock and MGM Grand for the Western Massachusetts license. Mohegan inked a host community agreement with Palmer, Mass. on Thursday, which would provide $18 million in annual payments to the town.
