This highly controversial issue in the state was passed in the General Assembly early Wednesday. It will require approval from the House of Representatives and the governor – who has stated that this will be the only casino bill he will sign. This is a major step toward the expansion of gambling in the state.
According to the proponents of the bill, the $300 million satellite casino will create more than 1 200 jobs and encourage gamblers in the state to stay and play locally rather than cross into Massachusetts to the new $1 billion casino being developed by MGM in Springfield.
The counter argument from the opponents was that the state is rolling the die on the possible legal risk of a granting a monopoly to the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan on non-tribal and private land in Connecticut.