Already, the casino has generated the most economic activity the region has seen in a decade, local officials said.

The study found that the casino upped the gross state product by $1.2 billion and directly or indirectly generated more than 41,000 jobs.

At one point, for example, city officials insisted that only a casino could generate enough revenue to cover the costs of maintaining the island.

The casino has 10,000 visitors per day on average and generated an annual revenue of $244 million as of August 2006.

According to industry estimates, Indian casinos generated $6 billion in revenues last year.

Supporters say casinos will create jobs, attract tourists and generate millions in tax revenues.

Together, the casinos generate $400 million in tax revenue each year.

Mohegan Sun's casinos, hotel, restaurants and other concessions generated $1.4 billion last year, 62 percent more than in 2001.

But the casino has not generated enough cash to pay it out of earnings.

One year later, with the casino generating strong revenues, he said, "It's changed the city forever."