NEW: Rush Street Gaming Unveils Worcester Casino Plans

Thursday, April 25, 2013

GoLocalWorcester News Team

The proponents of the proposed slot parlor in Worcester launched a new offensive on Wednesday night by releasing details to their plan.

Mass Gaming & Entertainment LLC, an affiliate of Rush Street Gaming LLC, publicly released the details to their proposal and unveiled renderings tonight for its proposed Worcester casino at the Joint Meeting of the Standing Committees on Economic Development and Public Safety.

The proposed casino will spend $240 million to develop the project and include the development of a downtown hotel. Many in Worcester have pointed to the lack of hotel rooms to be a major obstacle to economic growth.

According to the plan, the casino will bring with it hundreds of constructions jobs, an estimated 600 quality permanent casino and hotel jobs and the anticipation of developing Worcester as a first-rate regional destination.

“We believe this casino will be a catalyst for substantial economic development for the city and the Green Island neighborhood, as we have seen with our other properties,” said Greg Carlin, CEO of MG&E. “Worcester is the best location in Massachusetts for the Category 2 license and we are excited about the opportunity to work with the city and the community on this proposal which will reinvigorate this long dormant site and enhance the Canal District.”

MG&E's presentation claims big benefits

The jobs plan which will give first priority to Worcester residents for the newly created casino jobs which have substantial benefits packages. Job fairs will be held for local residents to understand the full range of opportunities and how to apply.
A comprehensive local business partnership initiative, which will provide substantial opportunities for Worcester-based businesses to receive priority as vendors for the casino for a broad spectrum of products and services, including as providers of food and beverages, furniture, equipment, and other supplies for the casino.
Millions of dollars per year in new tax and other revenues to the City.
Planned vendor forums for local businesses to ensure that their participation is maximized, and plans to work with potential onsite third-party operators such as local restaurants.
A comprehensive traffic improvement initiative for the area, which will include significant investment in offsite improvements to roadways, improving area circulation.
Substantial streetscape and lighting plans which will make the area more pedestrian-friendly and inviting.
Plans for potential partnerships with local cultural institutions to jointly highlight Worcester as an entertainment destination and increase visitorship to other area institutions.

Last Night Opponents

At Tuesday night's council meeting the vast majority of those wh came out oppose the plan to build a gaming facility in Worcester.