by Steve Norton
CEO, Norton Management

East Windsor Casino Plan Best Bet For State - Hartford Courant

Today's article by Tim Larson says that the Connecticut Legislature should approve the Tribal effort to place a casino in East Windsor. And his proposed rational is; to "protect Connecticut jobs, bolster our tourist trade, increase State revenues and help our economy". But a casino near the State's Western border, would save more CT jobs; would bolster tourism from another state, rather than a higher penetration from CT citizens; add more revenue to State coffers; and do more for the State's economy, that a small facility in E. Windsor.

No matter what the State and Tribes decide; the Federal Government is still going to have a say; if the Tribes are the operator on a non reservation site. And the current Compact between the Tribes and Connecticut, gives them a monopoly on slot machine operations. That means $240 million in Government revenues is at stake if the Tribes weren't the operator. So a new casino would need a Pennsylvania type tax; to offset the potential CT loss, of sharing 25% of the slot win at Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Tribal casinos.

Nearly 40 years ago, I visited with CT Legislators, from Bridgeport, who were interested, in finding out, if casino gaming; like we had introduced in Atlantic City, could help their seaside resort.

Mr. Larson is correct that Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, are far more than just casinos, and considering that there is only a 15 minute greater time difference, in driving between Hartford and Springfield, than in Hartford and Mohegan Sun. And that distance disparity will take a back seat; when visitors look at the more expansive dining, entertainment, gaming and other attractions available at the Tribal casinos.

No one questions the beneficial relationship that exists between Connecticut and their Tribes; but it seems only fair, that Massachusetts should be able to share in the potential revenue from MA residents, that have been spending an estimated $billion annually at the neighboring casinos in CT and Rhode Island.