Bradley Applauds Committee Advancement of Casino, Sport Wagering Legislation

HARTFORD, CT — Today, State Senator Dennis Bradley (D-Bridgeport) applauded the efforts of the Public Safety and Security Committee for its advancement of legislation which could bring a casino to the city of Bridgeport. The legislation passed by a 20-4 vote. Sen. Bradley, who is the committee co-chair, said he is in favor of an open, honest and fair bidding process.

“I am pleased with the committee for advancing this legislation,” said Sen. Bradley. “I have long been in favor of a competitive, fair and open bidding process to potentially bring a casino to the city of Bridgeport. This process enables us to choose what is best for our state. It gives us control to determine what will have the most positive economic impact on the lives of Connecticut residents.”

The following bills advanced to the Senate and House Floor:

• Senate Bill No. 11: “AN ACT CONCERNING THE AUTHORIZATION OF A CASINO GAMING FACILITY IN EAST WINDSOR.”
• Senate Bill No. 17: “AN ACT AUTHORIZING SPORTS WAGERING, INTERNET GAMBLING AND INTERNET KENO.”
• Senate Bill No. 665: “AN ACT CONCERNING SPORTS WAGERING.”
• House Bill No. 7055: “AN ACT CREATING THE CONNECTICUT GAMING COMMISION AND CREATING A COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROCESS FOR A REPORT CASINO.”

House Bill 7055 would establish the Connecticut Gaming Commission and a competitive bidding process for a resort-casino. This would enable the state to choose a development with the best economic impact for the state. Sen. Bradley said this will be good for the city and the state.

“This would be great for Bridgeport,” said Sen. Bradley. “Development and renovation is already happening in the city. A casino will create economic opportunities and jobs for people of the Park City. Still, it is important to note this legislation would greatly benefit our state as a whole, not just Bridgeport. My intent is to ensure fairness across the board, it is not about isolating Bridgeport, it is about transparency, fairness and ensuring it makes dollars, because if it doesn’t make dollars, it doesn’t make sense.”

Sen. Bradley added the sports wagering bills that were approved present a cutting-edge way to add revenue to the state’s bottom line. He said they also address the reality of the widespread participation in sports wagering.

“It’s about us being pro-business and being open to new concepts,” said Sen. Bradley. “We need to create revenue while also being open to the reality that people already participate in sports wagering.”