New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
In a response to a recent request for public comment by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, the City of New Bedford has recommended a November 2014 extension of the Region C deadline by which casino operators seeking to locate in Southeastern Massachusetts may apply for a gaming license.
In a letter to the Commission, the City argues against a more lengthy extension, which it says will undermine the competitive environment in Region C by conferring a collateral benefit to the prospects of non-commercially-licensed tribal casino competitor, and thereby discourage potential new entrants among casino operators who would want to open their facilities prior to any tribal facility.
The letter notes, “The City continues to have productive discussions with applicants interested in developing a category 1 gaming facility in the City. However, due to the complexity of these discussions and the procedures requirements to support such a project, the City again submits that a short extension of the RFA-2 deadline is necessary and would allow the City to reach agreement with an applicant.”
The City points out that the required public referendum on a proposed Host Community Agreement is best scheduled to coincide with the November 4 general election because it would “maximize voter participation in an issue of significant public interest.” The Region C
application deadline is then ideally established shortly after election results are certified.
