Connecticut Approves Construction of State's 4th Casino

Friday, March 16th, may have been a very important date, the most important one in the recent history of gambling in the state of Connecticut. That was the day when the state’s official lawyers approved a bill that will most likely result in the construction of another casino in Connecticut that will be this state’s fourth. It was a close call for this bill as it was virtually dead until it was revived and finally defended during Friday’s vote, with an overwhelming majority of 21 in favor to 3 against.

What remains is for the bill to be approved in the Legislature and if it does, it would allow a bidding process for all the operators interested in opening a new casino in the New England state. This will be carried out, in all likelihood, in the town of East Windsor.

MGM Resorts International is often cited as the main contender for construction of the new casino. Their proposal contains a $675 million casino resort for the Bridgeport waterfront which would put more than 7000 people to work. Their project has garnered much , not least by the Mayor, Joe Ganim, as well as Attorney, General George Jepsen, who spoke publicly in favor of both the new bill and MGM’s plans.

Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot Tribes are also strong favorites that could build the commercial casino in East Windsor, as is recognized by the bill ed last year by the Connecticut Legislature. The tribes already operate two casinos in the state, so the opening of a brand-new casino may pose a threat for the other two, as there are justified fears that the tribes would have to lay off more than 9000 people. The site where the new casino should be built is already prepared – the tribes have demolished the old buildings that used to stand on the 200,000 square foot site where the casino could be built.