BOSTON (AP) — The state gambling commission is set to meet for the first time in the new year as a key deadline approaches for would-be casino developers in Massachusetts.

So far, four companies have paid a $400,000 initial application fee that’s due by Jan. 15.

MGM Resorts and Penn National Gaming have both proposed resort casinos in Springfield and plan to seek the sole casino license available for western Massachusetts. Those companies are expected to file detailed plans with the city on Thursday.

Suffolk Downs in East Boston is pursuing the eastern Massachusetts casino license and the Plainridge harness race track in Plainville is bidding to open a slots parlor.

Several other potential developers could meet the Jan. 15 deadline set by the commission, which holds its first meeting of the year Thursday.