Casino developers to begin application process

BOSTON (WWLP) - Casino developers will now be able to fill out phase one application forms to build one of up to three casinos in Massachusetts.

The first round of application forms approved by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission requires casino developers to submit a $400,000 fee. Developers must reveal who they're owned by, their corporate structure, and they must consent to inspections or search and seizures. 

Developers submitted comments to prevent certain information from becoming public, like if they're being sued in civil court. 

Commissioner of the Mass. Gaming Commission James McHugh told 22News, “It's a useful piece of information to have so the recommendation there is to leave it in, in the present form but be prepared to discuss it in these initial discussions that we're going to have.”

The Commission has set up a two-phase casino search process.  The first phase is a vigorous vetting process to make sure casino bidders are financially and structurally stable.  The second phase will consider actual casino design proposals.

The deadline for the phase one application form is January 15.