Hopes for MGM Resorts International in Connecticut may be fading now that lawmakers are proposing a tribally owned casino in Bridgeport, part of an omnibus gaming expansion. The bipartisan Connecticut Jobs & Revenue 
Act would authorize a casino in Bridgeport owned by Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun. The tribes would be required to spend at least $100 million, walking-around money for them. In return, the two tribal mammoths would get dibs on sports betting, including lucrative mobile and online wagering. The bill may have to wait until the regular session in February, giving MGM lots of time to lobby and litigate, the things it does best. The company’s already spooked Gov. Ned Lamont (D), who said, “I’ve got to see where all the players are on this because if this gets stuck in the legal muck, like it’s been for the last five years, we’re not going to show any progress.”
The Bridgeport proposal doesn’t mean the end of Tribal Winds Casino in East Windsor. It envisions that project moving forward as well. Internet gambling would be taxed at 10%, sports betting at 8% and funds would be earmarked to treat problem gambling. In a sop to the Connecticut Lottery, the latter would be allowed to sell tickets online, as well as to add keno. Seven months is an eternity in politics, so we have no prediction on whether this Christmas tree will still be standing in February or not.
* In an unrelated story, Connecticut’s tribal casinos are examined for the way in which a part-time bookkeeper managed to get high-roller treatment at Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. We should all be getting extended $250 dining comps and top-floor hotel rooms as we struggle to make ends meet. Of course, if you embezzle money the way our Boston friend did, it’s much easier. Heck, you can do it, and still get Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods to keep you on their VIP list. For shame.
* Shame, too, on MGM. It is reported as having cut its discount to service members and their families from 10% to 5%. It’s still 10% at Caesars Entertainment and let’s hope Tom Reeg keeps it that way.
* Our escalating trade war with China is blamed for a slowdown in Macao casinos. They recorded a 3.5% decline in revenue last month. Even though $3 
billion was won on the green felts, the number is still disappointing by Macanese standards. Reuters reported that “slower mainland economic growth, a weaker yuan and a simmering trade war threaten to derail growth.” Also, the central government is cracking down on junket operator SunCity for engaging in Internet gambling (illegal in China) and proxy betting (ditto). SunCity denied the online gambling. It operates 18 VIP rooms scattered across all six concessionaires, so the latter have got to be a little nervous over this latest development.
* Lax anti-money-laundering measures are the besetting sin of casinos at the moment. GVC has been fined $7 million for such shortcomings at its Ladbrokes Coral betting shops. British casino regulators aren’t shy about rapping the industry on the knuckles when they see fit.
* Plaza Hotel CEO Jonathan Jossel might want to add Vegas Message Board to his reading list. Seems that the Plaza’s customer-service culture could use some work. Guest Chris88 arrived at the Plaza on the evening of 
July 29, only to be told he couldn’t check in. Computer trouble. Got a free-drink ticket (good on the Plaza) and was told to wait. Tried again at 10 p.m., then at 11:30 p.m. Nothing doing. Another stranded guest (one of a dozen) was allegedly told if he didn’t like it to go elsewhere. Front-desk staff told the discomfited guests that The Strat had vacant rooms but they’d have to get there on their own hook.
Some kind soul at the California Hotel took pity on Chris88 and comped him a room night. He tried the Plaza again in the morning but no one was answering the phone (metaphorical, no?). At which point our protagonist decided to cash in a two-free-night offer from the Golden Nugget. We’d say that was failing upwards. As for the Plaza it has blown a chance to make a good first impression.
