West Springfield, Mass., voters reject casino proposal
WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — West Springfield voters have rejected a proposal to host a casino in the western part of the state.
The vote Tuesday was 55 percent to 45 percent against Hard Rock International’s proposal for a resort casino on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition.
West Springfield’s agreement with Hard Rock would have provided more than $26 million in annual payments to the city and the region, with a minimum of $18 million for the city each year.
Springfield voters have already approved an agreement with MGM Resorts International. Palmer votes in November on a proposal by Mohegan Sun. The state gambling commission must approve all casinos, and will grant one license in western Massachusetts.
Under state law, each community where a gambling facility has been proposed must hold a referendum on the agreement between local officials and a casino operator.