The state of Connecticut has its casino industry in a very interesting situation a the moment, since the US Bureau of Indian Affairs, which is the regulator responsible for the approval of future casino projects took no action towards the approval of such. The officials missed the deadline for approving or rejecting the proposed deal for building a Native American Casino in East Windsor. It could be recalled that at the beginning of this year the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes applied for constructing a new gambling location in the area.
Tuesday was the last date for inking the approval for construction and the authorities made no action towards the anticipated approval whatsoever. The deal for construction could be described as controversial and Bridgeport is keeping an eye on the situation since the highly discussed law which was passed several months ago is affecting the state of the affairs there as well. At the moment casino operator MGM Resorts International is planning to build a casino resort on Bridgeport Harbor and the project is estimated to cost as much as $675 million.
As for the approval or rejection of the deal, it could mean that the authorities agree with the construction or the members of the regulator have not reached a unanimous decision as of the time of the signing. The whole situation revolving around the casino construction in Connecticut has been going on for quite some time. More than three years the parties involved in it cannot find a solution which could be are agreeable for everyone. It could also signify that the authorities are going back to the beaten path of re-reviewing the project and wrangling in the legislature.
Native American Project Postponed
The next step is going to be the eventual discussion of the design and the construction of the casino venue, but at the moment this stage looks quite distant for the officials. The missing of the deadline is going to result in even more prolonged waiting and more administrative rulings, court trials, and appeals galore. Experts have predicted that in the next five years to come no one is going to invest money in a casino venue in the state without a negotiated agreement signed beforehand.
At the moment the two Native American tribes operate their respective casino locations according to a contract which obliges them to pay the state 25 percent of the total revenue from slot machines. In return, they have the sole right to operate casino venues in the state of Connecticut. Several months ago the tribes received a green light to open a new casino in the East Windsor area so that they can attract the customers headed to Springfield, where a rival casino is operating.
In the meantime, MGM Resorts is utilizing the hesitation around the project and gathering supporters among the lawmakers. The operator wants to make its Bridgeport project reality and it is likely to refile its lawsuit against the allegedly unconstitutional approval of the Native American project.
