casinos

Massachusetts gaming commission weighs opening SE region

The Associated Press — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 02:00:00 +0000

FALL RIVER, Mass. (AP) — The state gambling commission is hearing from advocates and opponents of extending an Indian tribe's exclusive right to develop a casino in southeastern Massachusetts.

The commission met Thursday at Bristol Community College in Fall River as it considers opening the region to commercial bidders.

New York State Senator Kathy Marchione - Casinos and the SAFE Act

Brian Shields — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 19:30:00 +0000

Casino gambling and New York’s new gun law, the SAFE Act, have emerged as two issues in Albany sparking a good deal of debate this session. Republican State Senator Kathy Marchione, of Saratoga and Rensselaer Counties, is leading an effort to repeal the gun law passed earlier this year in New York, and the first year lawmaker is also backing a measure that would require the locations of casinos to be known before lawmakers approve a constitutional amendment to allow them on non-Indian land.

Mass. Gambling Lobby Spends Less in 2012

Lucas Willard — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 02:00:00 +0000

BOSTON (AP) — The gambling industry spent $2.3 million dollars lobbying Beacon Hill lawmakers in 2012, a drop from the $3.1 million spent by the industry in Massachusetts in 2011.

A review of lobbying records by The Associated Press found that despite the decline, companies hoping to land one of the state's coveted casino license still poured hundreds of thousands into lobbying.

Springfield Will Hold Community Negotiations with Casino Developers

Lucas Willard — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 01:00:00 +0000

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — Springfield's mayor has decided to open host community negotiations with each of the two companies hoping to develop casinos in the western Massachusetts city.

Mayor Domenic Sarno made the announcement on Monday after an internal review by the city of both casino proposals, one by MGM Resorts International and the other by Penn National Gaming.

The city could have chosen to negotiate with just one developer. The plan to begin negotiations with both companies does not guarantee that agreements will be struck with one or both.

NY legislative leaders not sold on Gov's casino plan

Dave Lucas — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 21:46:30 +0000

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Legislative leaders say they aren't sold on Governor Andrew Cuomo's proposal to restrict new casinos to three upstate locations and could push for New York City and Long Island venues.

City Releases Details Of Casino Proposals

Paul Tuthill — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 21:21:30 +0000

The detailed plans and related documents for two competing resort casino proposals in Springfield Massachusetts have been made public.

Massachusetts Gaming Applicants Now Face Background Investigations

Paul Tuthill — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 17:04:26 +0000

Eleven applications have been filed for lucrative gaming licenses in Massachusetts. Companies that want to develop resort casinos or a slots parlor had to meet a 5PM Tuesday deadline to file paperwork and a non-refundable $400,000 fee with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

Massachusetts Gaming Commission Chairman Steve Crosby was thrilled. He said the state is primed to achieve maximum job creation and revenue from its fledgling gambling industry.

7 Firms Submit Application Fees for Mass. Casino License

Lucas Willard — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 02:40:31 +0000

BOSTON (AP) — Seven companies hoping to build casinos in Massachusetts have plunked down $400,000 each in nonrefundable application fees ahead of a key deadline.

A 2011 law signed by Gov. Deval Patrick allows up to three casinos in Massachusetts.

Hard Rock Pitches Casino Development At Big E Site

Paul Tuthill — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 21:58:46 +0000

The competition to build a resort casino in western Massachusetts became more robust Friday. Hard Rock International unveiled plans for an entertainment complex in West Springfield on the grounds where the Big E agricultural fair is held. WAMC”s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.

Massachusetts Gaming Commission Debates Policy Questions

Paul Tuthill — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:32:11 +0000

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has begun several days of meetings to address dozens of policy questions. It’s a prelude to the commissioners writing the final regulations to fully implement the year old gambling law and license resort casinos. WAMC”s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.