Connecticut Pol: Gambling Addiction Study Needed Before Considering Casino Expansion

HARTFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A state senator wants to know the depth of Connecticut's gambling addiction problem before lawmakers consider casino expansion.

A Mohegan Sun executive says the casino could seek a deal with rival Foxwoods Resort Casino to build a third Connecticut gambling hall near the Massachusetts line to compete with casinos opening in the Bay State.

Mitchell Etess, chief executive officer of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, told The Day of New London it's "very easy" to see a solution drawn up by the Connecticut Legislature.

But Sen. Andrea Stillman, who strongly opposes casino expansion, told WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau that because of the Massachusetts casinos, as well as gambling in Yonkers, New York, Connecticut has nearly reached the saturation point.

Stillman, D-Waterford, said if there is increased access to gambling in Connecticut, then a study needs to be done at least every five years to ensure the proper programs are in place for those who need them.

"The state of Connecticut has a history of not wanting to measure those impacts, and I say that because it's taken so long for the state to authorize a study," the senator said.

Falling revenue at Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods has cut state revenue, accounting for 25 percent of slot machine money.

Casinos licensed for Springfield, Massachusetts; Boston; and possibly a third in southeastern Massachusetts are expected to further hammer revenue at Connecticut's casinos.

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