Connecticut’s two largest tribal casinos, Foxwoods & Mohegan Sun, are threatening to cut off slot machine revenue from their casino resorts if sports betting is authorized statewide.

In a letter to House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz, D-Berlin, and other legislative leaders, the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes said a bill before the General Assembly to legalize sports betting would violate the compact between the tribes and the state.

That means the state’s 25 percent take from slot revenue at the Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos — some $250 million a year — could be cut off unless a deal is struck with the tribes over sports betting, both tribal nations warned.

“If the state authorizes video facsimile gaming, the exclusivity provisions of (the compacts) would be violated and our obligations to make the slot contributions cease,” said Mohegan Attorney General Helga Woods.

Aresimowicz said he views the letters as the beginning of negotiations with the tribes, and said both would be involved in sports betting if it is authorized by the state.

“The tribes have been great partners and I’m sure we will have conversations,” Aresimowicz said, adding state Attorney George Jepsen does not agree that the tribes could halt payments.

More on the plans of Foxwoods & Mohegan Sun at Stamford Advocate