What is the Connecticut Alliance Against Casino Expansion?
Why is casino expansion opposed if casinos contribute money to the state treasury?
How does the Connecticut Alliance make a difference?
Why does the Connecticut Alliance need funding?
How can I make a difference?
Where are new casinos being proposed?
Is the Connecticut Alliance only concerned about the development of new casinos?
Do Connecticut's existing casinos have plans to expand?
The existing casinos are not close to where I live. Why should I be concerned?
How does a land claim affect my property?
What is "Las Vegas Nights"?
If "Las Vegas Nights" was repealed, what does CAACE need to be concerned about?
What is the significance of federal tribal recognition?
 

What is the Connecticut Alliance Against Casino Expansion?
The Connecticut Alliance is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to stopping casino expansion. Our membership includes concerned citizens, business and civic leaders, civic organizations, grassroots organizations, and faith-based organizations from throughout the state. Our efforts include conducting a public education campaign on the negative impact of casino expansion and lobbying elected officials for legislative change to stop the expansion of casinos in Connecticut.

Why is casino expansion opposed if casinos contribute money to the state treasury?
The cost of casinos to individuals, communities, businesses, and the State is enormous. Increased traffic, loss of tax revenue, loss of business, and social costs are all associated with casinos and gambling.

How does the Connecticut Alliance make a difference?
The Connecticut Alliance makes a difference with its ability to educate, communicate with, and mobilize its supporters. Within three months of its formation, the Connecticut Alliance successfully spearheaded efforts to repeal "Las Vegas Nights," the Connecticut law and legal loophole that allowed casinos to operate in the state. The law was repealed in January 2003, resulting in the ban of Las Vegas-style gambling in Connecticut.

Why does the Connecticut Alliance need funding?
Funding is used for public education on the issue of casino expansion as well as for lobbying for legislative change to stop the expansion of casinos in Connecticut as well as research, legal representation, and administrative expenses/costs. Our funding efforts help us keep up the fight against casino investors and backers who hope to develop casinos around Connecticut. Make A Donation

How can I make a difference?
You can make a difference in numerous ways that require only a minimal amount of time. Stay informed by joining our mailing list. Write elected officials. Sign Connecticut Alliance petitions. Make A Donation. Tell your friends about the casino expansion issue. Tell your friends about this web site or come to one of our informal gatherings which are always listed in the calendar of events.

Where are new casinos being proposed?
Since casino development is not restricted to historic Indian reservations, tribes are free to buy land anywhere in the state and apply to have it converted by the federal government into sovereign tribal land where they can build casinos. High-risk areas are currently southeastern Connecticut, northwestern Connecticut, and western/southwestern Connecticut, including Danbury and Bridgeport.

Is the Connecticut Alliance only concerned about the development of new casinos?
No. The Connecticut Alliance is also concerned about the expansion of Connecticut's two existing casinos that involve off-reservation development.

Do Connecticut's existing casinos have plans to expand?
Yes. Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun both have plans to expand their existing casinos.

The existing casinos are not close to where I live. Why should I be concerned?

Statewide opposition to casino expansion is critical because every part of our state is susceptible to casino development. Since casino development is not restricted to historic Indian reservations, tribes are free to buy land anywhere in the state and apply to have it converted by the federal government into sovereign tribal land where they can build casinos.

Additionally, Connecticut citizens should be aware of the existing casinos' access to state and federal funds for development that would primarily benefit the casinos. Current plans to expend millions of transportation dollars to expedite traffic flow to Foxwoods by reconstructing State Route 2, when there are pressing issues with our roadways and traffic elsewhere in the state, should be a major concern to taxpayers.

How can a land claim affect my property?
A land claim prohibits property owners from having clear title to their homes—rendering them unable to sell their homes or borrow against the value of their homes to make home improvements, to fund education, or even to cover medical costs.

What is "Las Vegas Nights"?
"Las Vegas Nights" is a Connecticut law that allowed games of chance to be played at fund raisers. It was the legal loophole through which the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes were able to establish their casinos under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. This law was repealed in January 2003. As a result of its repeal Connecticut State law now prohibits the opening of new casinos.

If Las Vegas Nights was repealed, what does the Connecticut Alliance need to be concerned about?
The petitioning Connecticut tribal groups and their backers have all stated they intend to challenge this repeal and do not believe it prohibits them from operating casinos if they achieve federal acknowledgment. As a result, Connecticut remains under a significant and multi-faceted threat of more large-scale casino gaming.

What is the significance of federal tribal recognition?

Federal tribal recognition grants sovereign status to a tribe and allows all of the privileges of a sovereign nation to that tribe. It is this designation that enables a tribe to pursue casino development.