April 30--Springfield officials have chosen MGM to build a nearly $1 billion gaming mecca in the city, picking the Las Vegas behemoth over regional gambling powerhouse Penn National -- and narrowing the field of players vying for the western Massachusetts casino license.

Mayor Dominic Sarno today announced the city has struck a deal with MGM, meaning MGM will go forward in the state licensing process for a Springfield casino. Officials from both firms declined comment this morning.

MGM will be competing for the sole western Massachusetts license against Hard Rock, which is considering building a casino at the Big E in West Springfield, and Mohegan Sun in Palmer.

Penn National, which proposed a complex plan that would have moved the Republican newspaper and built a gleaming new transportation hub, could still seek another site in western Massachusetts or another Bay State region.

One possibility might be in southeastern Massachusetts, which was recently opened up to commercial gaming companies. The Mashpee Wampanoag tribe had exclusive rights to a southeastern Massachusetts casino but delays in winning federal approval have prompted the state gaming board to open the region up to commercial bidders.

Story developing ...

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