Weeks from the start of Connecticut’s legislative session, where Bridgeport is expected to be the centerpiece of debate for a commercial casino that requires state approval, State Rep. Jack Hennessy wants to hear from constituents regarding support for the proposal. Survey here.
MGM Resorts is proposing a $675 million waterfront investment at Steelpointe Harbor across the channel from Bass Prop Shops. The state’s two tribal nations that run Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun say they want to be in play for a casino in Bridgeport if the state goes that route.
The big rub the state much negotiate is the gaming compact with the tribes that provides 25 percent of the slot take to the state in exchange for a gaming monopoly. Break the compact and break the flow of gaming dollars to the state. MGM asserts its economic impact on the cash-strapped state will outweigh the slot dough, including a $50 million licensing fee for the current fiscal year. Lobbyists, lawyers, public relations pros on both sides are poised for a major legislative showdown.
From Hennessy:
Bridgeport is in a unique position to further invest in its economy by paving the way for development along the waterfront.
In September, MGM Resorts International announced its plans for a $675 million casino and entertainment complex in Bridgeport’s Steelpointe Harbor area.
Under current law, casino gambling is currently limited to the state’s two federal Indian reservations. For this project to move forward, the Connecticut General Assembly would have to give the proposal its approval.
As we head into the 2018 legislative session, it is vital that I hear from you about the type of economic development you would like to see in our community, and if you believe this casino and entertainment complex is something I should advocate for.
MGM Resorts International said this privately financed casino would create 7,000 new jobs in the Bridgeport area and, if approved by state legislators, would give the state $50 million in licensing fees in the current fiscal year. MGM Bridgeport plans on creating 2,000 slot machines, 160 table games, a 700-seat theater, a 300-room hotel, retail space and dining options.
While this project may enhance the vibrancy of our city’s downtown, I want to know if this is a project you would support. Please take the time to fill out this survey to let me know where you stand on this proposal and if there are any other development opportunities you believe we should pursue.
As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions, comments or concerns at Jack.Hennessy@cga.ct.gov or 860-240-1371.
I like to see a sportsbook or a race and sports book (sometimes abbreviated as book) is a place where a gambler can wager on various sports competitions, including golf, football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, boxing, and mixed martial arts. The method of betting varies with the sport and the type of game. In the US, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 allows only Nevada, Oregon, Montana, and Delaware to legally wager on sports. Winners( shoreline Star) could easily handle this type of competition.
Totally support a Casino on the Waterfront
A casino is not the answer to Bridgeport’s economic woes. The theater would draw business away from Webster Arena, the amphitheater, the Klein and the Poli & Majestic theaters.
There’s more than enough gambling in Bridgeport, legal (the lottery, off track betting) and illegal (floating high stakes poker games, football pools in every neighborhood tavern and dive bar, etc.).
Anyone believes MGM is going to build a casino in Bridgeport is a fool. Anyone that actually advocates for this is just plain stupid, a moron.
Bridgeport’s ills are numerous: drugs, violence, crime, unemployment, the worst school system east of the Mississippi, industrial pollution. Those issues will not go away no matter how many times Donnie & Marie or Wayne Newton perform for casinos full of out of town gamblers in cheap leisure ware. But then again I don’t see the world through a pair of ugly hornrimmed glasses.
Jim Murren for Mayor!