ONLY GAME IN TOWN ? ? ? ? ?

Palmer casino proposal remains viable
Sunday, February 14, 2010

Story and photo by LORI STABILE

PALMER - Mohegan Sun continues to spread its message about its plans for a resort casino here in the hope that casino gaming is finally legalized in Massachusetts and it wins a coveted license.

So far, the Connecticut-based Mohegan is the "only game in town" for having publicly announced a plan for a resort casino in Western Massachusetts. It's given specific numbers about everything from hotel rooms and restaurants to slots and gaming tables.

While Mohegan representatives have been meeting regularly with Palmer officials since it announced its plan three years ago, the tribe recently broadened its reach by holding "community conversations" around Greater Springfield to spread its pro-Palmer casino message.

EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE: Recently I made a trip from Long Island, New York to the casinos in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The distance was 201 miles one way and between three and a half hours to four hours (3 1/2 to 4) travel time. The distance, from the same location, to the Mohegan Sun Casino is about 165 miles one way and between three and a half and four (3 1/2 and 4) hours driving time.

The question becomes, what should the Mohegan Sun Casino, in Connecticut, do as an incentive for people of Long Island, New York to come here? Yes, in my opinion, we have a better product than the casinos in Atlantic City........... Shouldn't the MTGA work on getting the gamblers of New York, who are going to the Emerald City (Yonkers Raceway) and Atlantic City, to Uncasville, Connecticut?

How will going to Palmer, Massachusetts make a difference? Should the MTGA be putting this egg in our (the Mohegan Tribe's) basket? Is this another Pocono Downs? Could this be a big mistake? What do you think?