SUSAN HAIGH, Associated Press
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Some legislators are seeking more independent information about the ramifications of allowing a third casino in Connecticut before they pass any legislation approving the project proposed by the state’s two federally recognized Indian tribes.
Lawmakers who have been lukewarm or against a third casino on Friday cheered a bill requiring a thorough review of the costs and benefits of expanding commercial casinos.
“I really support the study. Why are we rushing into something that has such remarkable implications for our state and liability?” asked Sen. Tony Hwang, R-Fairfield, who would also like to see a study of gambling’s impact on Connecticut society.
Rep. Chris Perone, D-Norwalk, the Commerce Committee’s co-chairman, introduced the legislation. Even though he voted for a bill last year that created a multistep process for the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes to possibly open a casino, Perone said legislators need more information to understand the project’s potential effect on Connecticut’s economy.
So far, lawmakers have relied on a consultant’s report commissioned by the tribes last year, which warned that new casinos planned in New York and Massachusetts, if left unchecked, will siphon $570 million annually in gambling revenue. The tribes, which own and operate two rival casinos in southeastern Connecticut, have warned such losses could lead to thousands of job cuts and that’s why they’ve proposed a jointly operated gambling facility near the Massachusetts border.
MGM Resorts International is planning a $950 million downtown casino in nearby Springfield, Massachusetts.
Perone said lawmakers have nothing to compare with the consultant’s report, which suggests a border casino could recapture 46.1 percent of the approximate 9,300 jobs and 80 percent of the gambling and non-gambling revenue that is predicted to be lost in Connecticut because of the MGM facility.
“We’re not likely to get anything until next year,” said Perone, referring to how the tribes, which are still reviewing potential sites, need final legislative approval. “Let’s make sure we do the job right. We have the time. We have the understanding that we need deeper analysis. Why not just do it?”
The Commerce Committee has scheduled a March 10 public hearing on the bill.
Perone’s call Friday for the study came the same day the tribes unveiled a digital campaign that highlights their consultant’s report and urges viewers to contact their legislators to back the new casino.
Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, D-Stamford, who supports the project, said the tribes are correct to remind the legislature that thousands of jobs in the supply chain are at risk if the MGM casino is not addressed.
“This is more than just slot machines and poker chips. These are real faces who work in the casinos, live in our communities, who volunteer as coaches, as chaperones for school trips,” he said. “It’s just really putting a human face on the issue.”
Rep. Joe Verrengia, D-West Hartford, a vice chairman of the Public Safety Committee, said that’s “the spin the tribes want to put on this issue in hopes of garnering support.” He said lawmakers need independent expert advice.
“I think that’s the best route we can take right now to make an informed decision,” Verrengia said.
