The campaign to bring a casino to New Bedford will likely heat up in the next few weeks.

Developer KG Urban Enterprises has suggested June 23rd for a city-wide referendum on the project.

Council President Brian Gomes expects the City Council to quickly approve the referendum date at its meeting on Thursday, and then get involved in the campaign.

"The Council is prepared to work with the administration and KG Urban says Gomes, to meet with residents to answer questions about the casino project and the host-city agreement."

Gomes says he believes the casino project is very important for New Bedford, and he expects voters to approve the project. New Bedford voters have twice before approved referedum questions on casino gambling.

Meantime, KG Urban still faces another deadline with the Mass. Gaming Commission. It must submit its initial application data, including financial backers, to the commission by May 4th.

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