Both chambers of the state legislature have agreed to tap the brakes on a proposed expansion of casino gaming.
Lawmakers had originally proposed authorizing as many as three new casinos in the state, to be operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and the Mohegan Tribe. The proposal had the support of the tribes, as well as Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, both Democrats.
But Attorney General George Jepsen raised concerns that the legislation could subject the state to lawsuits from unrecognized tribes and others.
Under an amended bill approved by House lawmakers in an 88-55 vote Thursday, a different — and likely lengthier process— would be followed.
The new language, which was approved by the Senate on May 20, would require the tribes to issue request for proposals and enter into development agreements with interested cities and towns.
Even once a match is made, the legislature would then have to change state law to allow for the new casino.
Mohegan and Foxwoods issued a joint statement on the House vote:
“We are pleased and grateful to the State House of Representatives for their support of a plan to protect thousands of Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods jobs and revenue from out of state competition,” the tribes said. “This legislation, which we hope will be signed by the Governor, will begin a process by the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot Tribes to invest millions to identify the best site for a satellite gaming facility in north central Connecticut, and to work with state and federal officials to ensure the state and our two Tribal governments are legally protected.”
Developers vying for casino locations hoped it might be possible to open before MGM Springfield, which is slated to debut in the summer of 2017.
The Massachusetts casino is expected to cost Connecticut $63.5 million in lost tax revenue in fiscal year 2018, according to the Office of Fiscal Analysis.
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