The Schaghticoke Tribal Nation has reiterated its call for an open casino expansion competition in Connecticut.
The Hartford Courant reported that at least 40 members of the Schaghticoke Tribe trooped to the state Capitol to make another push for another casino expansion bill. If enacted, the tribe says the bill will pave the way for more potential operators in Connecticut.
At the same time, the Kent-based tribe has repeated its opposition to a competing expansion bill that will greenlight the establishment of a “satellite” casino in East Windsor, which would be the first in the state not located on tribal lands.
Connecticut’s Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe are seeking state approval to build a jointly-owned casino off their reservations in nearby East Windsor. It won the approval of a key state legislative committee on Monday.
In opposing Mashantucket and Mohegan’s ventures, the Schaghticokes said the state would benefit far more from a casino in southwestern Connecticut.
“You’re tapping into the New York market, 50 miles outside of Manhattan,” Chief Richard Velky said. “Our tribe stands ready, willing and able to compete for the right to offer commercial casino gaming in southwestern Connecticut — all we need is an open process and a pathway to compete, which this bill gives us.”
Arizona tribal casino gambling revenue grew 4.2 percent
In other tribal news, the Arizona tribal gambling posted 4.2 percent growth over the first three months of the year, according to the Associated Press.
Data shows that the state’s share of tribal gambling revenue grew to $25 million for the quarter that ended on March 31.
The revenue gain was a respite from the declines incurred in recent quarters, said Department of Gaming director Daniel Bergin.
Nearly $12.5 million will go to Arizona’s Instructional Improvement Fund for education. More than $6.2 million will go to support trauma and emergency services.
Other funding is used for the department’s operating costs, state tourism and wildlife conservation.
Tribes with Class III casinos contribute 1 percent to 8 percent of gross gambling revenue to the state, cities, towns and counties.
