Tribes reach second deadline for possible casino locations

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) – The Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes are wrapping up their latest request for proposed locations for a possible Connecticut casino that would compete with the planned MGM Resorts International casino in nearby Springfield, Massachusetts.

Saturday marks the deadline for the second request for proposals to be submitted to the tribes.

The two federally recognized tribes own and operate casinos in southeastern Connecticut. They want to open a jointly owned casino to blunt competition from MGM. The tribes announced last month plans to reopen the RFP process so they could consider new and existing proposed sites.

The tribes say they’ll announce a set of finalist sites after reviewing the submissions. They say there will also be an “extensive public engagement campaign” in each of the finalist communities.

The project ultimately needs legislative approval.