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Connecticut Bills Aim to Block New Indian Casinos

"On Wednesday, the legislature's Planning and Development Committee approved a bill, in concept, that would eliminate an existing statute that allows churches and civic organizations to host gambling fund-raisers.

"…Under the National Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, tribes are entitled to pursue any gambling that already exists in a state. Since Connecticut had a Las Vegas Nights law on the books, the Mashantucket Pequots were able to open a casino with table games once they had gained federal recognition.

"In 1991, there was an effort to repeal the Las Vegas Nights law. Church groups in particular opposed the effort, which was defeated.

" `We haven't had a vote since 1991. I think it's about time to have a vote again,' said Rep. Jefferson B. Davis, D-Pomfret, co-chairman of the Planning and Development Committee, and a proponent of this year's bill

"…Davis said the particulars of the bill are still being worked out. He wants to make sure it would not affect the two existing casinos –– Foxwoods Resort Casino and the Mohegan Sun. The two tribes that operate the casinos contribute 25 percent of their slot machine revenues to state coffers. Davis said his legislative staff also is examining how a repeal of the Las Vegas Nights law would affect churches and civic organizations…"

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