HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) – Connecticut’s two federally recognized tribes say the state’s former consumer affair commissioner will help them in efforts to build a new casino to combat competition from out-of-state gambling.

MMCT Venture, the company created by the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes to develop a border casino, said Bill Rubenstein will join its board of directors. Rubenstein oversaw the Department of Consumer Protection before retiring in January.

Rubenstein also served for 11 years as an assistant attorney general.

Rubenstein said he welcomes the chance to join the tribes “in their fight to preserve jobs in our state.”

The tribes are concerned about job losses at their two southeastern Connecticut casinos once MGM opens an $800 million casino in Springfield, Massachusetts. They’re reviewing five proposed locations.

MGM is challenging the process in court.