EAST WINDSOR, Conn — Officials announced Wednesday that due to the impacts of COVID-19, a project planned to bring a casino to East Windsor has been halted.
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and Mohegan Tribe released a statement following the decision citing that their current need is to focus on existing facilities as the pandemic continues to impact businesses.
“Every day brings new challenges and we’re doing our best to navigate these waters because we know how important our businesses are to the surrounding communities, our employees, and the state as a whole," officials said. "The best thing we can do right now for each of those stakeholders is to focus foremost on the success of Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods."
The chairmen said they still believe Tribal Winds is a viable project that will come to fruition once markets improve and they have taken concrete steps toward restoring normal business operations.
"The Town of East Windsor has been working to lay the groundwork for meaningful economic development in our community, both in Planning and Zoning and on the Board of Selectmen," First Selectman Jason E. Bowsza said. "We want this project to succeed and we respect the long view approach the tribes must take to make sure all the elements of success are in place before making a major investment. I want to thank the Chairmen for their candor as they work through the ramifications of the pandemic."
“It’s a disappointing decision no doubt about that but it’s a very realistic decision, if you look at the situation of the economy right now and the fact even in the existing casinos, they are not seeing the number of people come in the park,” Senator Saud Anwar said.
During a press conference this week, Governor Lamont pointed out the state was not involved in the tribes’ decision.
“Let's face it brick and mortar casinos are in some distress right now just like brick-and-mortar retail and even restaurants. The world is moving online, and I think gambling is no exception, I think we're going to modernize along with the rest of the industry,” Governor Lamont said.
On Monday in an effort to recover financially —-Foxwoods announced a partnership with DraftKings, an online sports betting company, even though the state has not enacted legislation that would legalize online sports gambling.
"We need to have bills for sports wagering and that is going to the sports betting opportunities that will give them the financial strength and the state of Connecticut the financial strength and the combination of this is going to put the entire business back in place,” Senator Anwar said.
A referendum was held in the town in October of 2019 with two questions surrounding the casino.
Voters were deciding whether or not to create a “Casino Impact Fund”. In that fund, they would put the initial $3 million payment they’re receiving from the casino developers, along with any additional money they receive from the casino annually.
They are also voting approve an ordinance that would decide how money in that fund would be spent.
The referendum changes were controversial, as some resident felt as though they did not support the town.
Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods reopened their doors back in June after closing in March due to growing concern around indoor capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic.