Connecticut may not be able to rely on a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow to boost revenue, but on St. Patrick's Day one idea is up for public debate before the state's Public Safety Committee in Hartford -- opening three smaller casinos in the state.
The strategy comes in the form of a bill state Senate Democrats are proposing to allow up to three smaller casinos to keep Connecticut competitive to neighboring states in the gambling industry. MGM Resorts International will break ground on an $800 million casino in Springfield, Massachusetts by 2017.
If approved, the casinos would be jointly operated by the state's two federally recognized tribes -- Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, which operates Foxwoods Resort Casino, and the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut, which runs Mohegan sun.
A recent Quinnipiac poll on the issue shows residents oppose the idea of more casinos in Connecticut 4 to 1.
If you want to weigh in on the proposal, you can do so at a public hearing at the state capitol building. Supporters will start with a rally on the north steps of the capitol at 11 a.m.
