Consultant concerns up for discussion at Gaming Commission meeting

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The Massachusetts Gaming Commission may discuss concerns about a potential conflict of interest involving Springfield’s casino consultants during their weekly meeting Tuesday.

Questions arose after it was revealed that the law firm Shefsky & Froelich, which the City has hired to aid in the casino search process, had MGM Resorts International and Penn National Gaming as registered clients in the state of Illinois . Both companies wish to build a resort-style casino in Springfield.

City Solicitor Ed Pikula told 22News that the firm had also previously represented Hard Rock International, which is also interested in a Springfield casino site.

Pikula said that this is not a conflict of interest under state ethics laws, but Springfield City Councilor John Lysak, and a representative from rival casino company Ameristar have expressed concerns.

During last week’s meeting, the Gaming Commission had asked Springfield to delay its casino search process by a week, until the matter could be discussed between the Commission and city officials.

“We do feel like there are some concerns but we don’t know enough about it to come to any conclusions until we meet with them,” Commission Chairman Stephen Crosby said.

The meeting is scheduled for 1:00 P.M. at Springfield Technical Community College. It will also be streaming live on WWLP.com