Connecticut Casino Bill Now Faces Uncertain Path

A bill creating a two-step process for possibly opening a new tribal casino in Connecticut must now clear the state House of Representatives, but the level of support in that chamber remains unclear.

House Speaker Brendan Sharkey said Thursday that the majority Democrats have not taken any preliminary vote counts on the legislation, which cleared the Senate Wednesday on a bipartisan vote of 20-16.

Sharkey was unenthusiastic about the original bill, which authorized up to three satellite tribal casinos to deflect out-of-state gambling competition. But he said Thursday that he's open to voting on the retooled version before the session adjourns June 3.

About a dozen casino opponents gathered at the Capitol Thursday to urge House members to oppose the legislation. They contend a new casino will worsen gambling addiction.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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