Mass. Gaming Commission Votes in Favor of Wynn Casino Over Mohegan Sun

Photo Credit: Massachusetts Gaming Commission

Members of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission on Tuesday voted in favor of awarding a casino license to Wynn Resorts for a proposal to build a resort-style casino in Everett over a proposed plan by Mohegan Sun to build in Revere.

The panel voted 3-1 in favor of Wynn to receive a casino license after more than week of deliberations. Commissioners Enrique Zuniga and Bruce Stebbins expressed preference for Wynn, respectively citing capital investments and finances, and Gayle Cameron offered a “slight” preference for Wynn, citing higher salaries and marketing strategy.

Commissioner James McHugh, however, stated that he favored the Mohegan Sun proposal and that “both proposals are very strong and equivalent in many respects,” according to the MGC.

“We have been very thorough in evaluating all risks, both short term and long term,” Zuniga said Tuesday.

The proposed Wynn casino has caused debate among Charlestown residents and officials, with the MGC previously deeming Las Vegas-based Wynn Resorts “suitable” to obtain a casino license in eastern Massachusetts. About 60 percent of the casino’s estimated traffic would come by way of Sullivan Square in Charlestown.

The commission plans to reconvene at 10 a.m. Wednesday. For a recap of Tuesday’s meeting, click here, and for more information on the discussions, click here.