Hard Rock Casino Proposed For Western Mass.

Hard Rock International is entering the Massachusetts casino sweepstakes.

The company said Tuesday that it has entered into a strategic alliance with a local firm to build a casino and hotel at the 100-acre Wyckoff Country Club off Interstate 91 in Holyoke.

Legislation that would authorize three resort-style casinos in Massachusetts, including one in the western part of the state, has been approved by both branches on Beacon Hill with a conference committee now working to iron out differences.

Hard Rock Chairman Jim Allen said in a statement that the company is working with Paper City Development to bring a "world-class" entertainment facility to Holyoke.

The company says the casino would generate $100 million a year in annual tax revenue for Massachusetts.