(SPRINGFIELD, Mass.) (WGGB)–Both MGM and Penn National Gaming filed their applications for a casino in Springfield on Thursday.

Now Springfield voters will have to  do their homework.

They have two massive casino proposals before them.

MGM is proposing an 800-million dollar casino in the South End.

And Penn National Gaming wants to build an 800-million dollar casino in the city’s North End.

But right now the ball is in the city’s court says Kevin Kennedy, Chief Development Officer,”We have to initiate a review process where we have to read all 500 or 700 pages whatever number is in each one of the proposals to look and see what’s in there,” says Kennedy.

Pour through all the voluminous paperwork and present it to the public because the people of Springfield  will have the ultimate say on whether they want a casino in their city or not,”Our idea in this is to put everything out there as quickly as possible so the public can take a look,” says Kennedy.

It’s still unclear whether the city after looking at both applications will decide to enter into a host agreement with one or both casino developers, also whether or not Springfield voters will be voting on one or two proposals.

In the meantime, MGM and Penn National Gaming have waged a toe to toe, heavyweight battle to win a casino license.

And that’s the way the city likes it,”I think the idea here is to keep the competition going, drive the process as much as you can, and drive the competition as much as you can to get the best deal possible,” says Kennedy.

The city  will review all the materials and Mayor Sarno is scheduled to decide by January 25th whether he intends to negotiate a host community agreement with one  or both casino companies.