Yielding to pressure from Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, the Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods announced they will close until the end of the month.
The governor could pressure the tribes to close the casinos but as sovereign nations they were not required to obey. However both yielded. He also ordered schools closed and restricted meetings to no more than 50 people and urged the state’s off-track betting parlors to close. Sportech, which operates all the OTB sites, said they will be closed until the end of March.
Before the tribes yielded to Lamont, he had said publicly, “We are urging the tribes in the strongest possible way, they should be shutting down with us.” He added, “We are in this together. This is changing so fast. We’ve got to work together on a coordinated basis.”
After the agreement was announced Lamont said, “This is an important cooperative agreement between sovereign nations and the State of Connecticut. We all share the same goal toward ensuring our residents are safe and keeping public health at the top of our minds during this public health emergency. I applaud the tribes for their collaboration and partnership.”
James Gessmer, chairman of the Mohegan Tribe, said, “Connecticut and our respective tribes have worked collaboratively for decades and this moment in our history is no different. This is a decision that was made to ensure all of our guests, team members, and our partners across Connecticut, especially in our local communities, remain safe.”
Rodney Butler, chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot, added, “This is a humbling reflection on the ongoing public health crisis, and it is the right decision. Our concern is for health and safety of the community and of the public. The coronavirus is a threat to each and every one of us, and we believe shutting our doors will keep our visitors, employees and the public safer.”
