Mohegan Sun said it will seek a recount in Palmer, Massachusetts, after the town rejected its billion-dollar resort casino plan. The proposal was defeated by just 93 votes: 2,657 for, to 2,564 against.
The Connecticut-based casino giant had been planning to bid for the western Massachusetts license early next year. The defeat means that MGM's plan to build a casino in downtown Springfield will be the only bidder for the western Massachusetts license.
Shortly after the vote, Mitchell Etess, CEO of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority issued this statement:
“We are obviously disappointed in today's outcome as it currently stands. Our supporters and volunteers have worked tirelessly for our vision of bringing real economic development to Palmer. The results from today’s vote are extremely close – less than 100 votes. And the incredibly strong turnout is indicative of how engaged people on both sides of the issue have become. Because of technical problems with the voting machine in Precinct 2 that are very troubling, we will be asking the Town of Palmer for a hand recount of the ballots in today’s election. We have great respect for the process and all of the voters in Palmer, and we believe this request is consistent with ensuring that the process of counting ballots was accurate. We are incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to be part of this community, and to engage with so many supporters. Mohegan Sun Massachusetts is a tremendous opportunity for the Town of Palmer: for thousands of jobs; millions of dollars in new revenue; and an overall economic transformation."
