As Boston.com is reporting, on April 30, Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno announced he has selected an $800 million casino plan proposed by MGM Resorts International as the city’s candidate to develop a casino in Western Massachusetts.
“We need to rally behind this game-changing development,” Sarno said. “MGM has assured me they will make this the marquee project in an urban setting in America.”
In opting for MGM, Sarno rejected the bid by Penn National Gaming. However, the MGM project will be subject to a referendum and must win voter approval before it can complete its casino license application. Meanwhile, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission is still completing background checks on applicants, including MGM.