MGM Resorts doesn’t have anything nice to say about the newly formalized partnership between the Mashantucket Pequots and the Mohegans in Connecticut.
The two signed an agreement last week to seek proposals to build a new gaming facility in the north of the state to compete with Springfield’s MGM casino, which is under construction.
In a statement, MGM described the deal as unconstitutional, illegal, and unfair.
"Last week's announcement was a continuation of an unconstitutional process that does not allow anyone else to make proposals that could result in greater benefits for the state of Connecticut, its residents and consumers," said Executive Vice President Alan Feldman in the statement. "This is the result of a flawed, closed-door deal that shuts out voters in the approval process, eliminates all competition and doesn't provide any protections for workers."
MGM had previously issued a legal challenge to the potential construction of a casino on non-tribal land in Connecticut, saying such a development opportunity cannot be limited to the tribes under federal law.
Keno on the Way
The Hartford Business Journal reportsthat Connecticut is ready to launch keno within the next few months.
The controversial video betting game was again included in the last biennial budget, after being passed and then repealed two years ago. The Connecticut Lottery Corporation which will run the game is in negotiations with the Mohegans and Mashantucket Pequots over the rollout, which could happen as soon as January.
The two tribes must be consulted under the state's gaming compact, because they currently have the sole right to operate keno games.
Union Protests Job Center Closures
Protests continue against the planned closure of five job centers in the state, and the layoff of 95 workers from the state Department of Labor.
Members of the AFSCME union gathered Monday in New Britain to call for the facilities to be kept open. The closures come because of the loss of federal funds, but the union said it’s going to leave many job seekers with long journeys to get access to services.
