As Connecticut Casino Bill Advances, Tribal Facility of East Windsor Stays Well Protected

The commercial casino bill in Connecticut that would enable the local casino operators to submit their construction proposals for building their facilities in the state has received a green light from the committee and is now advancing to the House floor.

 

The Public Safety and Security Committee of the General Assembly passed the commercial casino bill referred to as the House Bill 5305 with a majority vote of 18-7 last Friday. The proposed piece of legislation would now be forwarded to the House of Representatives in the Parliament for a subsequent approval.

 

In case the proposed commercial casino bill reaches the desk of Governor Dannel Malloy and he signs it into law, the state of Connecticut would then subsequently allow the local Indian tribes, casino developers, and other qualified entities to submit their respective proposals for establishing the fourth legally authorized gaming venue in the state.

 

The House Bill 5305 was initially introduced by three state Representatives namely Ezequiel Santiago, Michael DiMassa, and Chris Rosario when the casino bigwig MGM Resorts showcased its Bridgeport plan for a $675 million worth Integrated Resort even though commercial gambling was still illegal in the state of Connecticut at the time. However, those who oppose the commercial casino bill are of the view that the IR proposal put forth by MGM Resorts was essentially nothing but a strategy to stall the progress of the already authorized East Windsor’s tribal satellite casino facility.

 

The Senator for Connecticut Tim Larson is also a co-chairperson of the Public Safety and Security Committee. While the East Windsor falls under his jurisdiction, Larson has still voted in support of the passing of the House Bill 5305. Technically, the Department of the Interior of the United States should have duly signed off the updated gaming compacts of the state with the Native American groups within 45 days of the receipt. However, the endorsement has still not taken place.

 

While the regional House Bill 5305 included a clause to revoke the authorization of the tribes to develop their proposed casino facility in East Windsor, the content was amended even before the bill received its 18-7 vote. As such, the House Bill 5305 will have no effect on the progress of the proposed satellite facility in East Windsor. Instead, the HB 5305 actually provides the permission for the development of a fourth casino in the state.