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Connecticut Lawmakers Approve State's Third Casino

HARTFORD, Conn. – Connecticut lawmakers approved a bill late Tuesday that will allow a third casino to be built in the state.

An aerial photo of the proposed site for a casino along I-91 in East Windsor.

An aerial photo of the proposed site for a casino along I-91 in East Windsor.

Photo Credit: Contributed

The third casino will be located in East Windsor. The state House of Representatives approved the bill by a vote of 103 to 46, with two members not voting. The bill had previously been approved by the state Senate last month, and will be transmitted to Gov. Dannel Malloy's desk for his signature in the coming days.

The approval of the new casino was praised by the chairmen of the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Tribal Councils. They said the new facility will create more than 4,000 new jobs, and the construction will create an additional 2,300 jobs.

“There are families across the state breathing a sigh of relief tonight thanks to leaders in both chambers and from both parties,” said Mohegan Tribal Council Chairman Kevin Brown. “With this vote, we have all demonstrated a commitment to protecting the state of Connecticut and the good jobs of its residents.”

“Tonight the Connecticut General Assembly passed one of the most significant jobs initiatives of the legislative session,” said Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council Chairman Rodney Butler. “With more than 9,000 jobs at risk, legislators banded together to save an important sector of Connecticut’s economy.”

The East Windsor casino will be a 200,000 square-foot gaming and entertainment facility with 2,000 slot machines and 50 to 150 table games. Under the new legislation, the casino will pay a 25 percent tax on its slot machines and a 25 percent tax on its table games. 

“I commend and thank both chambers of the General Assembly for keeping Connecticut jobs and workers at the center of this debate," said Malloy. "Our state has a longstanding partnership and compact with the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribal nations who employ thousands of Connecticut residents in their casinos. I have been very clear that I will not sign a bill that puts these jobs at risk, and I look forward to reviewing this proposal.”

Lt. Governor Wyman said, “Connecticut has strong partnerships with both the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribal nations. These partnerships have helped grow our economy and bolster tourism and commerce – they’ve also cemented a deep mutual respect. We hope this will continue long into the future. I thank the Senate and House for sending this bill to the governor’s desk.”

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