As reported by the Rhode Island Providence Journal: “A memorandum of
understanding signed this spring by the Mashantucket Pequots and MGM Mirage,
the publicly traded gaming colossus, lays out a plan for possibly more
casinos in southeastern Connecticut, elsewhere in Indian Country, in
Atlantic City or on the Las Vegas strip. “The Mashantuckets and MGM
envision, in addition to the $700-million expansion already under way at
Foxwoods, the potential for more new casinos on the Connecticut reservation
using MGM brand names and other nongaming, destination-resort development
along Route 2 in North Stonington. “The tribe announced its intention to
partner with MGM in April. The memorandum, released by the state Division of
Special Revenue in response to a Freedom of Information request by The Day,
includes these provisions:
“The Foxwoods expansion, scheduled to open in 2008, will get an MGM brand
name, probably MGM Grand. The Mashantuckets will have access to additional
MGM casino hotel brand names for future expansions.
“.MGM and the Mashantuckets will establish a new entity, jointly owned, that
could develop casino resorts all over the country, including the Las Vegas
strip. A specific 14-acre site in Atlantic City now owned by MGM is one
location mentioned as a possibility.
“.The National Indian Gaming Commission, which is required to approve
anything considered to be a management contract with an Indian tribe, is
also reviewing the Mashantucket/MGM memorandum, a spokesman said.”
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