Already MGM Springfield is spurring external economic stimulus in Springfield. A new (and rather fugly) Hilton has been proposed for an adjacent site, costing $15 million and boasting 100 hotel rooms once finished. For the city, the cancellation of MGM’s planned 
hotel tower (left) may be a blessing in disguise. Having MGM there makes it very attractive to me and the Hilton,” said developer Louis Masaschi. The Springfield Historical Commission has raised no objections to demolishing the ancient warehouse that will make way for Home2 Suites. Heck, it had been empty for four decades. MGM Springfield has also spurred the construction of a new Holiday Inn Express (MGM has only 250 hotel rooms) and Masaschi says the casino has been “very positive” about his project. Springfield’s rising tide really does seem to be lifting all boats.
* Will a “convenience casino” on the Rhode Island border with Massachusetts put a dent in Penn National Gaming‘s Plainridge Park? We’ll soon find out, as the long-awaited casino in Tiverton opened last Saturday. Players were lining up to test their luck against 32 table games and 1,000 slots. How many of them are Plainridge patrons who will now play closer to home remains to be seen.
* Here’s a man-bites-dog story: The White Earth Band of Chippewa has killed the Star Lake Casino project. This doesn’t mean the White Earth Band is anti-gaming, though. In addition to a struggling pocket casino in Bagley, it owns and operates Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen. However, Star Lake was too much a flash point of controversy, particularly with residents who feared increased traffic and pollution. The tribe itself was deeply divided over the project, so much so that two casino opponents were voted into office in the last tribal election, effectively snuffing out the casino’s chances.
According to the Grand Forks Herald, “Some White Earth members spoke out during public meetings that the tribe was sinking too much money into Star Lake and that there was no guarantee its members would see financial benefit because, they said, trends showed Native American gaming on the decline. Gambling habits are changing, they said, and investing in a new casino could be financially ruinous.” Indeed, the tribe has already sunk $7 million into preparation for the casino. That’s money it will never see again.
* Belatedly discovering the Las Vegas Strip pool dayclub scene, the New York Times sends two emissaries to check it out. Better late than never: The report is vivid and entertaining, even if a few years (like 10, maybe) behind the times, no pun intended.
