Prospects Fade for Mohegan Massachusetts Casino

BOSTON, Massachusetts -- As reported by the Norwich Bulletin: "Plans by the Mohegan tribe to build a commercial casino in Palmer, Mass., may be in danger given the defeated stance Mass. Gov. Deval
Governor Deval Patrick faces stiff opposition to casino plans for Massachusetts.  Patrick took Tuesday during hearings on his proposal to bring three commercial resort casinos to the commonwealth.

"After being repeatedly rebuffed by House leadership since he introduced the legislation in September, a more reserved Patrick told the Joint Economic Development Committee, 'I have no illusions about the plans in the House for this legislation.'

"...The Mashantucket Pequots and the Mohegans have expressed interest in snagging commercial licenses should Massachusetts legalize casino gambling.

"While the Mashantuckets have not formally declared interest in a particular site, officials with a development arm of the Mohegan tribe traveled to Palmer in late January. There, they outlined Project Oriole — a $1 billion resort casino project that would bring 3,000 permanent jobs to the mid-commonwealth town along the Massachusetts Turnpike as well as 4,000 slot machines and 150 table games..."