Penn National Proposes Springfield Casino

A second major casino company has unveiled plans for a project in downtown Springfield Massachusetts.   WAMC’s Paul Tuthill reports.

   Penn National Gaming is proposing an $807 million dollar resort casino off Interstate 91 in Springfield.  Spokesman Eric Schippers said the proposal is for a Hollywood branded casino, up to a 500 guest room hotel, and a parking structure for 4000 cars. The plan also calls for a housing and retail development along the Connecticut River, relocating the Republican newspaper’s printing plant, and renovating the historic Paramount Theater.

   Penn will be competing with MGM Resorts, which has a project proposed in another part of Downtown Springfield. Ameristar Casinos has purchased a former industrial site on the city’s east side.