Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has met with resistance from the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes to proposals made this week regarding casino developments in the state.
Lamont had requested that they reconsider plans the Tribal Winds Casino in East Windsor in exchange for legalized sports betting statewide, a Bridgeport casino and the opportunity to renovate and add gambling to the XL Center in Hartford.
In a statement on behalf of MMCT, a joint venture between the two tribal nations, spokesperson Andrew Doba said: “The Tribes believe that Hartford can be part of a larger gaming bill, which is why they support the bipartisan, bicameral legislation that was announced last week that would include the development of an entertainment zone in the Capital City.
He added: “However, they are not willing to walk away from the Tribal Winds Casino in East Windsor, a project where they’ve invested nearly $20m. We look forward to continued discussions with the governor and legislative leaders on a solution that puts Connecticut in the best possible position to maximize jobs and revenue.”
The MMCT statement was fueled by speculation this week that Lamont was trying to encourage the tribes to take ownership of the XL Center in Hartford in order to offer casino-style gambling and betting on sporting events. The Center has been described as an aging facility in need of significant investment to maintain its status as a venue for music and sporting events.
