Casino News Source found on: http://www.norwichbulletin.com
N.J. woes may boost casinos in Eastern Connecticut
By JULIE A. VARUGHESE
Norwich Bulletin
Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun could see an increase in visitors starting today if New Jersey's state legislators and governor have not agreed on a state budget.
New Jersey's casinos were due to close this morning at 8. New Jersey state law requires state monitors to oversee the state's casinos. A state government shut down resulting from the lack of an adopted state budget for 2006-07 means the monitors will not be working.
Saverio Mancini, spokesman for Mohegan Sun, said casino executives had been contacted recently by four bus companies. He said the companies were considering adding runs to the Sun in light of the looming New Jersey casino shutdown.
Mancini said the casino would welcome the additional business.
"We just don't know what we're going to get and if we'll get anything," Mancini said.
Kevin Mulcahy, director of operations for Peter Pan Bus Lines, said the company typically provides service between the Norwich area and Atlantic City on weekends.
"We're in kind of a wait-and-see at this point," Mulcahy said regarding whether the company would add service to Connecticut's two casinos.
New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine announced Saturday state agencies would begin being closed down and the casinos would be shut down today if a new state budget was not adopted.
Corzine recommended a 1 percent increase in the sales tax -- from 6 percent to 7 percent -- to close the budget's $4.5 million deficit for his $31 billion spending plan.
The Casino Association of New Jersey filed three lawsuits last week trying to keep the casinos open in case of the looming state shutdown. But a New Jersey Supreme Court judge ruled Monday the casinos will be shut down.
Sandra Rios, public relations manager for Foxwoods, said the casino did not have any comment.
The (N.J.) Courier-Post and The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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