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.
Among those jumping into the casino race is Las Vegas developer Steve Wynn who has eyed a site in Everett.
Others who have paid the fee and submitted applications include: MGM Springfield; Penn National Gaming, Inc.; Plainridge Racecourse; Hard Rock; and Mohegan Sun.
Sterling Suffolk Racecourse, which operates Suffolk Downs, has also paid the 400,000 fee and submitted an application late Monday.
The application deadline is Tuesday at 5 p.m.
The Mashpee Wampanoag tribe is hoping to build in southeastern Massachusetts. The casino law gave first crack in the region to a federally-recognized tribe.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.