Springfield CityStage and Symphony Hall say the proposed casino in Palmer will be extremely difficult to compete with if a large theatre is included at the resort.

As the debate surrounding a proposed casino in Palmer rages on, Springfield’s CityStage & Symphony Hall believe their business will be severely impacted. They are worried about a resort casino's bad impact on the arts.

"The theatres contribute over $4 million annually to the local income.” said Cindy Anzalotti, President of CityStage & Symphony Hall. “We employ over 180 people throughout the year. We bring in art and entertainment for our community and our people. If we lose that, so many people would lose jobs."

Mere gambling does not appear to be the problem; it's all of the other attractions a resort casino offers, not only the theatre but the shopping, restaurants, and hotel as well.

“Well, we have that right here.” said Anzalotti. “To have it 15 minutes up the road would really be detrimental to downtown Springfield."

Overall, the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau has been on board with the proposed casino. However, a large theatre would pose an irrefutable problem for the downtown arts.

Performers such as Jerry Seinfeld, Denis Leary, and Jackson Browne could not perform at Symphony Hall in recent years due to something known as 'radius restrictions.' Casinos frequently have contracts that do not allow these acts to perform at nearby venues. So, some top entertainers may be lured to a new casino theatre in nearby Palmer, and not be allowed to perform in Springfield.

"We have 2611 seats in Symphony Hall.” said Anzalotti. “They are proposing a 2600-seat theatre. That is a direct impact."

The bill is expected to be presented to lawmakers sometime next week.