Mohegans support legislation for a study on problem gambling's prevalence in Connecticut

Mohegan Sun's operator, the Mohegan Tribe, announced Friday it has volunteered its support Thursday for anticipated legislation that would authorize a study of the prevalence of problem gambling in the state, an issue of renewed concern since last year's legalization of sports betting and online casino gaming. 

James Gessner Jr., the tribe's chairman, addressed the issue in a letter Thursday to the co-chairmen and ranking members of the legislature's Public Safety and Security Committee, which conducted a January 24 forum on gaming. During the session, the executive director of the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Diana Goode, said calls to the council's helpline had quadrupled since sports betting and online casino gaming became available in October.

"To that end, I write today to express our support for legislation that would authorize a gambling prevalence study for our state. An accurate accounting and common data source for these figures will be another useful tool for the state and Tribe alike in our ongoing efforts to address problem gaming. Should this study be undertaken, I will direct Tribal and Mohegan Gaming Entertainment staff to provide all appropriate and allowable information to ensure the work of the state is accurate and well-informed", Gessner wrote.

State Senator Cathy Osten, the Sprague Democrat who co-chairs the public safety committee, indicated during the forum that the committee likely would consider a bill calling for a gambling study. No state-mandated study of gambling's impacts on Connecticut residents has been completed since 2009.

Gessner wrote that since Mohegan Sun's opening, the Mohegans have provided more than $8 million to support those with gambling problems and have tackled the issue itself through numerous initiatives.

"In addition, we are keenly aware of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had not only on physical health, but on the public's health as well. Just as the Mohegan Tribe has proudly used our resources to help Connecticut fight COVID — distributing PPE (personal protective equipment) and hosting large-scale testing and vaccination sites — so too must we play a role in supporting efforts to address the mental health needs of Connecticut residents when it intersects with our gaming operations", Gessner stated.

The public safety committee's ranking members are Senator Dan Champagne, a Vernon Republican, and Representative Greg Howard, a Stonington Republican.