Speaking on Monday 15 March, Lamont confirmed that whilst an impasse over tax rates had been overcome, a new dispute – believed to be over revenue – has arisen.
The state announced at the start of March that it had entered into agreement with the Mohegan tribe over the implementation of sports wagering. This deal, however, had critically excluded the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, owners of the Foxwoods casino (pictured) and the state’s only other land-based operator.
The latter reportedly want an 18% tax rate for online gaming, whilst the state and Mohegans had agreed 20% between themselves. This issue has now reportedly been resolved.
Paul Mounds, Lamont’s chief of staff and one of the negotiators working on the case, commented that there is now a “final agreement with all parties” on the tax rate issue; however, the Mashantuckets have reportedly raised a new revenue issue, hampering progress.
The latest bump in the road has done little to dull Lamont’s confidence however. Extending a football analogy that has been used to describe proceedings over the past three weeks, he commented: “I think we’re at the one-tenth-of-one-inch line, but I don’t want to jump the gun”.
With the Covid pandemic heavily affecting land-based casino operations, both the tribes and state would greatly benefit from the increased revenue offered by online gaming.
“We’re hopeful that we will have some progressive and very positive news in the coming days – as soon as tomorrow,” Mounds added.
