BOSTON (AP) — Two companies competing to develop a resort-style casino in Springfield have met key deadlines set by city and state officials.
MGM Resorts International and Penn National Gaming both submitted detailed plans to the city on Thursday, the deadline set by Springfield officials as part of its ongoing casino selection process.
The two companies also submitted initial applications on Thursday with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission ahead of a Jan.15 deadline, according to Gayle Cameron, a member of the state panel.
MGM Resorts and Penn National had previously paid a $400,000 state application fee also required by Jan. 15.
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno will decide whether to negotiate host community agreements with one or both companies.
The state commission will have the final say on awarding the sole casino license for western Massachusetts.
The springfield applications do not interfere with applications in eastern Massachusetts, which include the Suffolk Downs racetrack on the Revere/East Boston border.
