WWLP - Casino host agreement comparison

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WWLP - Casino host agreement comparison

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - 22News examines the key points of the three western Massachusetts casino deals.   

MGM's agreement is signed and approved in Springfield.  West Springfield and Palmer voters still have to decide if their town's host agreements are good enough.  
 
When the Massachusetts Gaming Commission awards the western Massachusetts casino license, they'll be paying attention to the Host Community Agreements.  

We'll compare some of the bullet points of the three signed in Western Massachusetts.  
 
Every year, MGM will pay Springfield around $25 million a year.  West Springfield will get around $18 Million from Hard Rock and Palmer will receive more than $15 million from Mohegan Sun.  
 
Per person, Palmer makes out,  It amounts to more than $1250 a person.  For every West Springfield resident it equals $634 dollars.  Springfield, the largest city would receive about $163 dollars per person.  
 
Hard Rock is promising more than $40 million in upfront payments.  MGM would pay $15.1 million.   While Palmer would receive $2.94 Million upfront.
 
Hard Rock is allotting $8 million a year to surrounding communities, MGM has promised around $500,000 for neighboring cities and towns.  Palmer did not include this amount in their agreement.  

Mohegan Sun's agreement also didn't include the amount of permanent jobs.  Both MGM and Hard Rock promise 2000 construction jobs and 3000 permanent jobs.

West Springfield will vote on Hard Rock's agreement on September 10th.  Mohegan Sun wants to hold its referendum on November 5th.  The gaming commission is expected to announce who wins the license next April.

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