On Monday, the tribes said the search is taking longer than anticipated, given the array of local approvals that would be necessary. MMCT still needs legislative approval to establish the gaming venue off tribal lands, the state’s first commercial casino. State coffers reap about $200 million a year in slot revenues from the casinos, both on reservations in southeastern Connecticut. The Mohegans and Mashantucket Pequots won legislative approval last year to jointly search for a location, arguing the Springfield casino threatens jobs and revenues in Connecticut’s gaming industry. Sites in East Hartford, Hartford and Windsor Locks also are under consideration.
The Centerplan disclosure came two days after a joint press conference by the tribes in which they said they would begin narrowing down the proposed locations and then enter a second round of negotiations. Bringing a casino to town would require the backing of a townwide referendum. Town leaders said there was local opposition to the Centerplan site, while the Showcase and Wal-Mart sites stood a better chance of drawing support.
