Lawmakers faced with protecting existing state casino jobs while also fighting off competition from outside the state will be voting on a bill soon that is designed to satisfy both.
The new bill would limit the number of new casinos that Connecticut tribes could open from three to one. Initially the tribes were setting out to collaborate on opening three smaller casinos in the state in response to a casino slated to open in Springfield, Massachusetts in 2017, which could draw Connecticut patrons who live closer to it than Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun.
The bill also outlines the process the tribes would have to go through to open another casino.
Municipalities would have to make a proposal to the tribes. Even if they reach an agreement, the General Assembly would have the final say.
However, the bill doesn't list proposed locations, however East Windsor and East Hartford officials have expressed interest. If the bill is passed approving one new casino, the question remains where it will be.
The process is expected to take at least 10 months.
With the Springfield casino a couple years from opening, supporters say the time to act is now. That's why the hope is to add a casino on the I-91 corridor.
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Lawmakers could vote on the bill as soon as this week.
