Gambling consultant’s ties to companies concerns competitor

The gambling consultant hired to help Springfield, Mass., assess four casino proposals is the registered lobbyist in Illinois for two of the companies competing in Springfield, raising questions about the fairness of the process.

The city has hired the Chicago law firm of Shefsky & Froelich. Illinois state records show that Shefsky & Froelich is the registered lobbyist of MGM Resorts International and Penn National Gaming, two companies seeking casino development rights in Springfield.

An official with another company vying to build a casino in Springfield tells The Boston Globe he's "concerned" about the relationship.

Springfield officials as well as Shefsky & Froelich Chairman Cezar Froelich said the team advising Springfield will have no interaction with its employees working for MGM and Penn in Illinois.