SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno is set to meet with representatives of several companies interested in putting a casino in the state’s third-largest city.

Sarno has scheduled private meetings with potential developers on Monday. The mayor is expected to have a key role in future casino negotiations, as the state’s new gambling law requires a host community agreement be reached with city officials and approved by voters before developers can apply for a license from the state gaming commission.