Mohegan Gaming, the owner of Mohegan Sun casino, is currently seeking a casino license in downstate NYC. However, a former state official has raised concerns about the tribe’s eligibility due to a tragic incident involving his son at the casino. Kamal Bherwani, a former Chief Information Officer for Health and Human Services under Mayor Michael Bloomberg, lost his son Ethan at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut earlier this year.
Ethan collapsed at the casino and did not receive medical attention for 11 minutes, ultimately resulting in his death. The incident, which was captured on video, showed Ethan falling from his blackjack chair and struggling to receive immediate help. Bherwani believes that had the casino staff acted quicker, his son could have survived. The 22-year-old had a mixture of fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana, and alcohol in his system at the time.
Bherwani has filed a negligence lawsuit against Mohegan Gaming, claiming that the tribe prioritized profits over safety. Despite his initial lawsuit being dismissed on a technicality, he plans to file a new one. He has also publicly criticized Mohegan Gaming’s bid for a casino license in New York, arguing that the tribe should be excluded from consideration due to their handling of his son’s case.
Mohegan Gaming is partnering with Soloviev Group to propose a $4 billion casino project called Freedom Plaza on Manhattan’s East Side. However, they face stiff competition from other major gambling operators such as Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, and Wynn Resorts, who are also vying for one of the three coveted downstate casino licenses. Resorts World New York and Empire City Casino are considered frontrunners for two of the licenses due to their existing presence in the area.
The New York State Gaming Commission is expected to make a decision on the casino licenses by December 31, 2025. However, delays in the process have raised concerns among lawmakers about missed economic opportunities and job creation. Despite the competitive landscape and regulatory challenges, Mohegan Gaming remains determined to secure a license and move forward with their ambitious casino project in New York City.