Connecticut’s Two Native American Tribes and Bridgeport City Enter Agreement, MGM to File a Lawsuit

MGM Resorts International’s efforts to build its own Bridgeport casino seems to have encountered certain obstacles, as the city and two Native American tribes in Connecticut are close to striking a deal. The agreement, which aims to bring an establishment to the state’s largest city…

…would block the $675m worth MGM’s project. However, official approval from the legislature and Gov., Ned Lamont, is still needed either before the legislative session ends next week or during a special session this summer.

Tribes Stand Better Chances:

Under the proposed , the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes would be greenlighted to move forward with the Tribal Winds casino project in East Windsor. Despite the fact that the tribes’ proposal would be much smaller than the sum suggested by MGM, it appears more certain to win approval in the General Assembly. According to the tribes’ working draft, the establishment would feature a minimum of 2,000 slot machines, 100 gaming tables, a 500-room hotel, as well as a spa, restaurants and retail space. As far as Andrew Doba, tribes’ spokesman announced:

“There is no ‘either/or’ solution when it comes to East Windsor and Bridgeport, and we shouldn’t be playing two Connecticut communities against each other. We continue to have conversations with the istration, legislative leaders, the Bridgeport delegation and the mayor on a global solution that will also bring some level of investment in the Park City.”

Trying to Find Compromise

A casino agreement between Bridgeport and the tribes represents a shift for the city’s legislative delegation, who expressed their to bring a new entertainment venue to the state’s largest city for years. However, lawmakers have an entirely different opinion, seeing the project as a long shot. The governor has not yet been involved in the negotiations, but he is “glad to see those conversations have started up again.”

MGM, as well as some Bridgeport legislators, have frequently lobbied for an open bidding process trying to push forward the idea of a $675 million proposed venue on Bridgeport Harbor coming to life. If a tribal casino bid is approved, MGM plans to file a lawsuit, claiming a violation of its rights. As far as the spokesman for MGM, Bernard Kavaler, announced:

“Conversations and proposals are certainly very fluid in the final days of the legislative session. We continue to track developments closely.”

MGM Receives Acclaims

Reputable corporation, MGM Resorts International, received another award as a confirmation to their outstanding efforts in the sports business sphere. At the 12th annual Sports Business Awards, the company was named “Breakthrough of the Year” by the Sports Business Journal and Sports Business Daily. The accolade was officially given to Resorts’ representatives at the Sports Business Awards Ceremony in New York.

Source:

“Connecticut’s Tribes and Bridgeport City near casino deal that could replace MGM plan”, yogonet.com, June 3, 2019.