Wynn Casino Gets Backing from Gaming Commission Over Mohegan Sun

By Matt Perkins

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.

Mohegan Sun had negotiated an agreement that called for “local impact payments” of $3.75 million among seven municipalities, including $350,000 annually to Swampscott’s neighbor, Lynn, and $50,000 annually to neighboring Salem. Salem Mayor Kimberley Driscoll had also endorsed the Mohegan Sun plan over the Wynn proposal.

The Mohegan Sun project would have been about 6 miles from Swampscott. The Wynn project will be about 11 miles from Swampscott.

The proposed Wynn casino has caused debate among Charlestown residents and officials, with the Gaming Commission 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.

Photo Credit: Massachusetts Gaming Commission