by Steve Norton
CEO, Norton Management

Tribal leaders push for new casino, promise to protect funds

I'm sure the Tribe and State can amend their compact to ensure the current revenue share continues.; subject to the Federal Government placing "Land In Trust", and the revenue sharing agreement, between the Tribes and CT. But I am confused that the Tribes have indicated no interest in a casino near the New York border; that would produce far more CT jobs, more out of State tourism, a larger revenue share for the Tribes and State. And the great news is that this location would primarily be taxing residents of another state, NY.

All you hear from the 2 Tribes, is we want to save CT jobs and revenues for the Tribes and State; but they only talk about sites that would compete with MGM, in Springfield. There is much more adjacent population in NY State rather than Western Massachusetts. And in terms of being able to compete with MGM, Mohegan is only 15 minutes further from Hartford, and Foxwoods, also close by. And with the very expansive facilities, including more rooms, casino positions, restaurants; and bigger theaters, meeting facilities; plus the inclusion of Bingo, sports arenas, golf courses and other family attractions; many Hartford area residents will still prefer the 2 Tribal casinos, in preference to the closer MGM.

The million dollar question that the Tribes should answer, is why is a smaller number of residents, supporting a MA casino, more valuable than a larger, more affluent audience in NY, starting with Westchester. And you would think that CT would rather see their casinos drawing more visitors from another state, rather than counting on more spending from from CT residents. And a NY visitor is more likely to require overnight accommodations; leading to more dining, shopping and other area spending.