Chicopee in casino talks, Westfield out

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - There is potentially another player in the Massachusetts casino competition.  

Rush Street Gaming has expressed interest in bidding on a Massachusetts casino.  They wouldn't tell 22News where.  So 22News called local towns and cities to see if they've had any recent talks with a casino developer.

Chicopee's mayor Michael Bissonnette told 22News they have had talks with two casino developers in October, but wouldn't reveal which one's or where the sites are they were considering.   Bissonnette told 22News they were "initial discussions" and "I remain interested in bringing a casino proposal to the voters (of Chicopee) should a developer present a well designed project for consideration."

Interest in Westfield has run dry.  The cities advancement officer, Jeff Daly, told 22News they haven't heard about any casino interest since the spring. 

Holyoke's mayor is still against casinos. 

Greenfield's mayor says they haven't been contacted. 

Ludlow hasn't been contacted either.

The door is closed for any new casino developers in Springfield.  MGM, Penn National and Ameristar are battling for Springfield's bid.  We'll know by the end of January which casino or casinos Springfield will try to negotiate with.

"I'm hoping that as we go through this process, 1 or 2 or maybe all three stay in the competition.  Again,
with any competition usually somebody rises about the rest", says Springfield's Chief Development Officer Kevin Kennedy. 

Springfield, Palmer, Chicopee or any other city or town interested in a casino has to hold a vote before it is approved.  

The final deadline for any casino Developer to submit proposals to the State Gaming commission is January 15th.