After voters rejected a referendum to undo gaming laws in the US state, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission has formally awarded both MGM Resorts and Wynn Resorts the state’s first two casino licences.
Both companies intend to break ground next year and have the casinos open by 2017. Wynn paid its $85m licence fee up front while MGM will pay its fee on November 17.
Meanwhile, the tension between Wynn and Boston Mayor Martin Walsh over the city’s surrounding community agreement may be coming to an end, as Walsh said he is now ready to sit down with the company on possible improvements in the city.
Walsh had previously refused to participate in arbitration with Wynn for a surrounding community agreement. MGM wasted no time, starting work on soil assessments where its 3,500-space parking garage will sit.
Penn National will be the first to open a casino in the state, with its slots-only casino at the Plainridge racetrack in Plainville. The commission also voted to extend the south-eastern region deadline from December 1 until the end of January.
