Mohegan Sun still waiting to pay casino application fee

PALMER, Mass. (WWLP) - Any casino developer interested in Western Massachusetts needs to pay the state a $400,000 application fee by January 15.

The two that hope to build in Springfield, MGM and Penn National Gaming, have already submitted the state’s required fee. But Mohegan Sun in Palmer has not paid yet.

Mohegan is the first major developer to show an interest in the area; having purchased land in Palmer before gaming even was legalized in the state. They also have the most to lose if a rival developer is awarded the single gaming license for western Massachusetts.

Some area casino supporters told 22News that they don’t think Mohegan Sun would bail out now.

"They've been around, they've being trying to get into Palmer forever, I think they're in it for the long haul,” Derek Embair of West Brookfield said.

"I think they'd stick with their stick, I don't know, I don't know if they will, but I think so,” Mike Misterka of Amherst said.

Mohegan Sun sent 22News the following statement:

“We are doing a tremendous amount of work locally in Palmer on the host community agreement and to prepare our submission and $400,000 application fee for the Commission.  We are pleased at the great support for our project in Palmer and throughout the region. Our proposal, along with our track record of success and strong partnerships throughout Western Mass., will deliver thousands of news jobs and new economic development for the Commonwealth.”

We had asked when they are going to pay the fee, but Mohegan Sun did not answer that question in their statement.