Massacusetts Casino Application Process Begins

What promises to be a lengthy vetting process for would-be Massachusetts casino developers has officially begun. The state's gaming commission planned on Friday to make available on its web site Phase 1 applications for developers seeking one of the three licenses for destination resort casinos permitted under the nearly one-year-old gambling law.

The applications are due back within 90 days and must be accompanied by a $400,000 fee. The commission will review the submissions from developers to determine if they are qualified financially and have no outstanding legal or ethical issues that would disqualify them from bidding for a license.

Applicants that pass the first test will be allowed to move on to the Phase 2 application process and bid competitively for one of the regional casino licenses.