In light of Connecticut’s financial struggles, city officials are discussing ways to avoid becoming too reliant on casino revenue, keenly aware it might well decline over time. “What happens in Connecticut clearly will impact Springfield,” said Springfield’s City Council president, Michael A. All are within a 30-minute drive from Springfield. Plans for a third casino need final approval from Connecticut’s General Assembly, but the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes, the two tribes that would jointly operate the casino, have already scouted out potential locations, including Hartford, East Hartford, and the small town of Windsor Locks. But officials are “very confident that the $950 million investment in entertainment, restaurants, shopping, and gaming at MGM Springfield will compete with anyone - certainly with a small slot parlor in Hartford,” he added. “Would a slot parlor in the Hartford area impact Springfield? Of course,” said Alan Feldman, an MGM executive. Yet MGM officials say a modest Connecticut casino without table games poses a minimal threat to a $950 million development. Last year, it sued the state over the preferential treatment given to the two tribes, a lawsuit that remains active.

To fight the plan, MGM has hired one of the state’s premier lobbying firms and the firm of former US attorney general Eric Holder.

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