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Despite having a new chair, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission has not made any progress in determining the future of the $2.6 billion Encore Boston Harbor casino project, which is currently being built in Everett, Mass.
Cathy Judd-Stein, the current deputy chief legal counsel for Gov. Charlie Baker, has been appointed as the new head of the five-member Commission, replacing Stephen Crosby. Gov. Baker made this announcement earlier this week.
In September 2018, Crosby tendered his resignation amidst accusations of favoritism towards Wynn Resorts in the process of granting its Massachusetts’ casino license. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding his management of sexual misconduct allegations against the company’s ex-CEO and founder, Steve Wynn.
Cathy Judd-Stein takes over Feb. 4
Judd-Stein is set to assume the role of Commission chair on Feb. 4, potentially preceding the receipt of a report on the investigation into allegations against Wynn Resorts. This report will determine if the company withheld information from the Commission during the assessment of its suitability as a casino license holder.
The Wall Street Journal initially reported the accusations against Wynn in January 2018.
In an effort to disassociate the Everett project from the controversy, Wynn Resorts took several steps. Firstly, they decided to rename it from Wynn Boston Harbor to Encore Boston Harbor. Additionally, Steve Wynn, the CEO at the time, chose to step down from his position.
Wynn Resorts has been accused of withholding information from the Commission regarding a $7.5 million settlement between Steve Wynn and a former manicurist at Wynn Resorts. The former employee had accused Steve Wynn of sexual assault.
In the end, the Commission’s report will determine whether Wynn Resorts retains its license to operate Encore Boston Harbor or is compelled to divest.
Steve Wynn sues
In December, the Commission had scheduled to evaluate the report and deliver a decision. Nevertheless, Steve Wynn filed a lawsuit toward the end of the previous year, aiming to prevent the report from being made public.
Wynn claims that specific documents mentioned in the report are safeguarded under attorney-client privilege. The release of the report has been temporarily halted by a Nevada judge. The lawyers of the commission decided to wait for the judge’s written order before requesting a transfer of proceedings to a court in Massachusetts.
The Commission is being represented by Anderson Kreiger, a law firm based in Boston. According to Anderson Kreiger, the allegations made by Wynn lack factual support. Additionally, they believe it is inappropriate for a Massachusetts government agency to be subjected to the authority of a Nevada court.
The final phase of construction for Wynn Resorts is progressing as planned, and the resort is set to open in June of this year.
The new Chairwoman’s impact on Encore
We are yet to determine whether Judd-Stein’s assumption of control will have any influence on the project. The previous general counsel for the Massachusetts Lottery is refraining from expressing her thoughts on the matter.
Gov. Baker praised Judd-Stein as a meticulous and hardworking attorney when appointing her as the new chair. He expressed confidence in her ability to lead with integrity and prioritize truth.
She will embody the kind of person who allows the facts to guide her in any direction they lead.
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