Tribes Warn That Springfield Casino Could Cost Connecticut

The chairmen of Connecticut's two federally recognized Indian tribes are warning lawmakers that a new casino in neighboring Springfield, Massachusetts, could cost the state as many as 18,000 jobs unless steps are taken to address the competition.

Kevin Brown, chairman of the Mohegan Tribe, said that figure includes both jobs at Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort Casino as well as vendors and other affected businesses.

Brown appeared side-by-side with Rodney Butler, chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, at Tuesday's legislative hearing. They voiced support for a bill that would allow the two tribes to open up to three jointly operated satellite casinos near the state's borders.

Anne Noble, president and CEO of the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, voiced concern about the possible "cannibalization of lottery sales" with expanded casino gambling.