Mohegan Sun reaffirms its commitment

PALMER, Mass. (WWLP) - Mohegan Sun continued to stress it's commitment to Palmer on Wednesday.  22News finds out why the casino developer hasn't paid it's $400,000 application fee yet.  
 
Mohegan Sun is in no rush to pay the Massachusetts Gaming Commission a $400,000 application fee.  

"We know what the deadlines are, it's when we'll be more prepared with our complete package to present to them", says Mitchell Etess, Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority CEO.

The bidding for a Western Massachusetts casino has become a competition.  In gaming term, Etess told 22News he doesn't want to show his hand to early.

"There's a lot people in here that want to get this casino and we have to make every move that we feel is right to assure us in the competition the best chance of actually winning a license", says Etess.

Lenny Weake of the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce told 22News the chamber has no issues about how Mohegan Sun is handling its business.

"We're certainly not concerned or worried about Mohegan not paying that fee yet", says Weake.

State representative Angelo Puppolo Jr. represents Wilbraham, East Longmeadow and parts of Springfield that aren't competing for a casino.  Puppolo told 22News he wants to see a rural casino.  

"From day one I've been in support of the Palmer location I think the site is perfect I think Mohegan is a well known brand", says Puppolo.

MGM in the South End of Springfield is the only developer to pay their application fee yet. Etess told 22News Mohegan Sun will pay the fee.


"The fact is we're going to do thing when we're ready and when we think the time is right", says Etess.
 
Casino developers have until January 15th to submit their packages and pay the application fee.