FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS: Krista Robinson (617) 650-6153krobinson@oneillandassoc.com

Michael Sherry (201) 615-2218 msherry@oneillandassoc.com

Majority of New York Voters Favor Resort Casino in the Catskills over Orange County

New poll finds voters believe Sullivan County a better location for a casino than Orange County by wide two-to-one margin

Schenectady, NY (July 22, 2014) – New York voters believe Sullivan County is a better location for a resort casino than Orange County, according to a new poll. Saying economic need is the most important factor in siting a casino, 55 percent of New York voters surveyed prefer Sullivan County, compared to just 25 percent for Orange County.

Voters, by a wide two-to-one margin, also have a more favorable reaction to a resort casino located in the Catskill Mountains compared to other potential sites in Hudson Valley in Orange County, Saratoga or the Eastern Southern Tier region.

Stimulating the economy in areas with the greatest need was cited as a key factor that should most influence decisions on casino locations, according to voters surveyed. Sullivan County has the highest unemployment rate among nearby counties at 8.9 percent, the lowest per capita income level at $24,462 per year, and the highest historical unemployment level at 6.73 percent. Orange County, in contrast, has been the second fastest growing County in New York over the last two decades.

Voters ranked economic need as a more important factor in casino siting than a region’s ability to attract tourism or generate the most tax revenue for the state.

“As this poll shows, New Yorkers are very clear about why they voted for gaming legislation, and that is to create new economic opportunities for regions that have historically struggled to generate jobs and economic growth,” said Mitchell Etess, CEO of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority. “We believe in Sullivan County and are excited to have the opportunity to bring a world class entertainment and tourism destination to this region, which will attract new visitors, create thousands of new jobs and generate billions in economic benefits.”

Mohegan Sun is planning a $550 million resort casino on the site of the historic former Concord Resort Hotel in Thompson, which is expected to create at least 4,500 construction jobs and more than 2,100 permanent jobs. The resort, called Mohegan Sun at the Concord, is

also expected to produce $3 billion to $3.7 billion in total economic benefits over a 20-year period, with approximately $1.5 billion to $1.86 billion of those gains to be realized in Sullivan County.

In addition to the economic argument, voters surveyed identify several other strong reasons to build a casino in Sullivan County. Sixty-two percent of voters agree that the ability of a Catskills casino to restore the region to its place as a leading tourist destination is a very or fairly strong reason to support development there. Sixty percent of voters agree that the ability of a resort casino in Sullivan County to generate secondary development and infrastructure is a fairly or very strong reason to support development there.

The strongest arguments for Orange County – close proximity to New York City and the ability to draw visitors from the 52 million tourists visiting there each year – are less compelling to voters polled than even the weakest arguments in favor of Sullivan County.

“Sullivan County is hands down the best location for gaming in New York that will provide visitors from across the region with the type of complete Catskills experience that this area was once known for,” said Roberta Byron Lockwood, President of the Sullivan County Visitors Association. “This area has the infrastructure and skilled workforce needed to benefit the most from the type of explosive tourism economy that a destination gaming resort would bring, while also delivering millions in economic growth to the entire region.”

Newly released economic impact studies also highlight the positive impact of a Sullivan County casino on the New York economy, which will likely generate the most money the fastest, according to an analysis by Capacity Business Consulting. It will also best meet the objectives of the New York gaming legislation to create job growth, increase aid to schools and enable governments to lower property taxes, according to the same study.

Mohegan Sun in June submitted its final application to the Gaming Commission for a resort casino that will feature a premier gaming experience, retail, restaurants, nightlife, a hotel, performance venues for music, comedy and live shows, and 52,000 square feet of gaming space.

Mohegan Sun at the Concord will also generate additional development and redevelopment projects in various areas throughout the county – including the revitalization of the world class 18 hole Big “G” golf course at the Grossinger Country Club, the development of Grossinger’s in Liberty with a spa, hotel and vacation homes, and the redevelopment of three-acres in downtown Monticello with commercial space. The proposed casino will complement and be located adjacent to the proposed 1,200 acre Adelaar development project, which will feature a water park and entertainment village.

Commissioned by Mohegan Sun, the poll of 751 registered voters was conducted June 19 through 24 by Hart Research Associates.

About The Mohegan Tribal Gaming AuthorityThe Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority is an instrumentality of the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut and the owner and operator of a gaming and entertainment complex located in Uncasville, Connecticut, known as Mohegan Sun, and a gaming and entertainment facility located in Plains Township, Pennsylvania, known as Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. For more information, visit: www.mtga.com.