Bridgeport, New Haven lawmakers seek to open casino process

<p>Lawmakers in Bridgeport and New Haven want a new competitive process for Connecticut's first casino on non-tribal land.</p>

News 12 Staff

Feb 7, 2018, 11:45 AM

Updated 2,518 days ago

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Lawmakers in Bridgeport and New Haven want a new competitive process for Connecticut's first casino on non-tribal land.
Bridgeport Rep. Chris Rosario says inviting various casino developers to compete to build a commercial casino in the state "will bring Connecticut the best deal, in terms of jobs, economic development, community benefits and support for our local businesses."
The General Assembly last year passed legislation aimed at allowing the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes to build a satellite casino in East Windsor to compete with MGM Resorts' under construction casino in Springfield, Massachusetts.
However, the project has been delayed, pending federal approvals. The state and tribes are suing the federal government for failing to act.
The lawmakers submitted legislation that will be considered in the new legislative session, which begins Wednesday.
As reported by News 12, MGM has proposed a $675 million facility for Bridgeport's waterfront, but says it's being unfairly shut out of the bidding process.
AP wire services helped contribute to this report.