In order to defend the nearly extinct gambling industry in Connecticut, legislative leaders along with two Indian operators of casinos in the state put forth a proposal for building 3 new casinos in Hartford.
The objective in the short run is to construct a casino in northern Hartford (Near corridor Interstate 91) so as to keep away from the gambling competition coming from adjoining Massachusetts. Even then, new facilities would be permitted by the legislation near Interstate 95 (Bridgeport) as well as Interstate 84 (Danbury).
Economic war declared by Massachusetts: Bob Duff
According to Bob Duff, Majority Leader of the Senate, Hartford is ready to fight against Massachusetts which has announced an economic war on it. He said that they would not allow Massachusetts to take away their jobs and make sure that they are kept in the state.
It was in the November of 1995 that the legislature last tried to develop and grow casino gambling. This was when a casino project (Bridgeport) could not get Senate support in terms of vote and collapsed. In the recent years, efforts made by the legislature to pass Keno, which are video games, similar to a lottery (played in bars and restaurants) have consistently failed twice. But there are competing casinos which are cutting into the gaming revenues of Connecticut.
Springfield Casino is a threat, says Kevin Brown
According to Kevin Brown, Chairman, Mohegun Sun (Foxwoods and Uncasville), there has been a decline in the tribe’s casino jobs as a result of growth of gambling sites in various regions. His major concern is Springfield Casino. It is looking to attract almost 80% of the customers from Connecticut. However, he acknowledges the flexibility offered by new casino opportunities.
