Bridgeport delegation champions House passage of bill that would expand casino gaming

May 4, 2018

A bill, championed by the Bridgeport legislative delegation, that would permit and implement an open and competitive Request for Proposal process for private or tribal entities to bid for a qualification to develop, manage and operate a casino gaming facility in Connecticut passed the state House of Representatives Friday.

House Bill 5305, “An Act Concerning a Request for Proposals to Qualify an Entity to Develop a Casino Gaming Facility in the State,” passed in a 77 to 73 vote. The bill now heads to the state Senate for further action.

Under this legislation, casino operators would be able to submit proposals to the state departments of Community Development and Consumer Protection. The legislation states that the bids would need to include an investment of at least $500 million and the creation of 2,000 jobs. H.B. 5305 would also require the casino operator to make a $5 million deposit for each application.

“The ability to expand casino gaming in Connecticut will help create countless opportunities for Connecticut. It’s an opportunity to invest in the development of our state so our urban cores can be the economic drivers Connecticut needs to thrive. It’s an opportunity to create thousands of new, good-paying job opportunities for our residents. It’s an opportunity to increase revenue for the state, helping to steady our bottom line. And it’s an opportunity to enhance foot traffic along the New Haven and Bridgeport corridor, helping to make Connecticut’s two largest cities tourist destinations,” the Bridgeport House Delegation said.