Competition heats up for Mass. slot parlor license; two more applicants step forward

By Mark Arsenault, Globe Staff

Competition for the state’s sole slot parlor license has become more intense, as two casino developers that applied to build a gambling business in Massachusetts confirmed today they would pursue the slots-only license, according to the state gambling commission.

Corporate entities backed by Chicago casino tycoon Neil Bluhm and by Maryland casino developer The Cordish Company, each applied in January for casino development rights in Massachusetts, but did not say at the time if they would seek the slot parlor license or one of three available casino resort licenses.

The commission asked the companies to declare by today which license each would seek.

Neither firm has said where it intends to build, though they likely have several more months before they must finalize sites.

The slot parlor will be limited to 1,250 machines and no table games, and will pay 49 percent of gambling revenue to the state in taxes, nearly double what the casino resorts will pay. However, the slot parlor requires a much lower initial investment, and is expected to open before any of the resorts.

The other applicants for the slots license are Plainridge Racecourse in Plainville, and Raynham Park.