Although its executives have not resorted to physically obstructing bulldozers, the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut, along with its Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment company and their Mohegan Sun casino, have taken nearly every possible measure to impede the development of the $2.5 billion Encore Boston Harbor casino project in Everett, Massachusetts.
In its pursuit of the Massachusetts casino license, it formed an alliance with the Suffolk Downs casino proposal. Diligently, it exerted considerable effort in persuading regulators that their project stood as the superior choice.
Encore Boston Harbor was ultimately chosen by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC). Subsequently, the Tribe filed a lawsuit against the MGC, accusing them of exhibiting extreme bias in favor of Wynn.
Mohegan Tribe wants Encore Boston Harbor
Nevertheless, there is a possibility that the Commission may revoke Wynn Resorts’ license. In response to this, the Tribe has expressed their keen interest in acquiring the nearly-finished casino project, stating to the Boston Herald that they are prepared to intervene and make the purchase.
The Tribe recently issued the following statement to the Herald.
Mohegan Sun is ready to take action if the MGC determines that Wynn Resorts is not suitable for a gaming license in Massachusetts. In such a scenario, Mohegan Sun is willing to engage in a process that would transfer the license to another operator. Furthermore, Mohegan Sun is prepared to enter into discussions with the relevant parties to acquire the ongoing construction project in Everett. Mohegan Sun has consistently maintained its belief that it is the most suitable choice as a gaming operator and license holder for a resort casino in the Boston area. If given the chance, Mohegan Sun is committed to promptly opening the Everett facility.
Wynn Resorts is nearing completion of its construction project, with plans to open the casino in June 2019. However, there is now a possibility that the company’s Massachusetts gaming license could be at risk.
Steve Wynn, the founder and CEO of Wynn Resorts, was accused of sexual harassment in a series of allegations reported by the Wall Street Journal in January. Following these reports, Wynn has resigned from his position and has completely severed ties with the company.
Meanwhile, Wynn Resorts has made efforts to separate the Everett project from the current circumstances by rebranding it from Wynn Boston Harbor to Encore Boston Harbor.
The MGC investigation
Despite this, the MGC made the decision to carry out its own inquiry into the accusations. The commission aimed to determine whether Wynn Resorts had withheld any information during the initial evaluation of its suitability as a casino license holder.
The MGC Investigations and Enforcement Bureau is nearing completion of its investigation report. The bureau has requested to present the report to the commission during a hearing scheduled for this month. Ultimately, the hearing will determine whether any findings from the investigation should have an impact on Wynn Resorts’ suitability as a casino license holder.
Nevertheless, the hearing might be postponed until a Nevada judge addresses Steve Wynn’s plea to prevent the public disclosure of the report.
Should the MGC determine that Wynn Resorts is unfit to hold a Massachusetts casino license, it will probably be required to sell. It is intriguing that the Mohegan Tribe has shown interest in purchasing the property, as MGM has also expressed interest. However, it is worth noting that the hotel’s appearance clearly identifies it as a Wynn Resorts casino. Furthermore, the Mohegan Tribe might struggle to afford the $2.5 billion price tag, considering their reported net revenue of only $1.38 billion last year.
As per the Herald’s report, the Tribe has engaged in meetings with a nearby community and reaffirmed its commitment to honor the local revenue sharing agreements that were negotiated by Wynn. Additionally, the Tribe has expressed its keen interest in the property to the commission.
Everett mayor says no
Despite this, Mayor Carlo DeMaria of Everett clarified to the Herald that the City of Everett does not hold any interest in the Tribe.
The City of Everett does not welcome Mohegan Sun to establish a casino. We have entered into an agreement with Wynn Resorts to develop a world-class international resort, and I remain steadfast in my commitment to only accepting the best. We will not settle for a mere gaming parlor that aims to prioritize Mohegan Sun’s interests in Connecticut over the well-being of our community and residents. The partnership between Wynn Resorts, Everett, and the Commonwealth extends far beyond a structure filled with slot machines.
Wynn Resorts has chosen not to provide a comment regarding Mohegan’s interest in the property. However, a spokesperson did describe it as “a self-serving proposition.”
What the community wants
The preferred name for the $2.5 billion casino project by the residents in surrounding communities is yet to be determined. Nevertheless, the property is almost finished and will undoubtedly reflect Wynn Resorts’ distinct signature.
The responsibility of assessing Wynn Resorts’ suitability now lies with the MGC once more.
In addition, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) will need to assess whether the public can tolerate having Wynn associated with their state, regardless of the allegations against its founder and former CEO. Alternatively, they may consider appointing a different individual to manage the casino, ensuring that its identity remains distinct from any other company, specifically Wynn Resorts.
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