The two federally recognized tribes in Connecticut, the Mashantucket Pequots and the Mohegan Tribe, have received five proposed sites for a new casino in the state. The proposals were due on Friday seeking the third casino license in the state and working to fight off competition from Springfield, Massachusetts.

Proposals were submitted by East Hartford, East Windsor, Hartford and Windsor Locks  entities, towards the MMCT Venture of both tribes to be considered for the casino property, with the deadline being Friday. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council Chairman, Rodney Butler, stated that the response after the release of the Request for proposals (RFP) has been overwhelming. The mission of the group has not changed, according to Butler, with a drive for the new facility to be located in a community that wants the venue, and values the jobs and revenues the facility can bring.

The next step will be for MMCT Venture to evaluate the option that presents the best path forward, according to Butler. The Mohegan Tribal Council and the Mashantucket Pequots plan on making their selection by the 15th of December but the state’s General Assembly will have to approve a third casino for Connecticut before any plans can go forward.

The details of submitted proposals were not released by the tribes though certain entities did release information. Marcia A. Leclerc, the Mayor of East Hartford released their proposal to the public, showing that the old Showcase Cinemas would be developed into a jointly-operated casino venture. This site is described as having 25 acres of land and being visible to the I-84 which would bring in traffic daily.

A package was also proposed by the city of Hartford though a location was not identified. The Mayor of Hartford, Pedro Segarra, stated he wanted to keep the option open for a casino in the state for Luke Bronin, the incoming Mayor who just won in the Tuesday vote.

East Windsor and Windsor Locks have not reported information on their proposals. We do know that the Connecticut Airport Authority has wanted to bring a casino to Bradley International Airport in the Windsor Locks area. There are vacant areas in East Windsor as well that could be used for casino properties.