Mohegan Sun Ups Ante To Win License To Operate In Mass.

PALMER, (AP) — Mohegan Sun has upped the ante in its drive to win a Massachusetts license to operate a resort casino.

The Connecticut casino has announced new features in its proposal for Palmer that will increase the project to nearly $1 billion.

The adventure-themed park and resort hotel will include an indoor and outdoor water park connected to a 250-room hotel separate from the property's main casino hotel. Visitors can kayak and do zip lining in the outdoor portion of the adventure park.

Mitchell Etess, chief executive of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, says the new features will draw visitors from across New England and the Northeast.

Mohegan Sun is competing with a Springfield plan by MGM Resorts International and a Hard Rock International proposal for West Springfield.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.