Members of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission stated on Thursday their support for Chairman Stephen Crosby, who confirmed earlier this week that he has been investigated over whether he had taken part in granting a Region A casino license to Wynn Resorts.
The gambling operator is to build a $1.6-billion integrated casino resort in Everett. Back in September 2014, commissioners decided to award the operator with the Region A license over two other competing bids from Suffolk Downs racetrack owners and Mohegan Sun.
In May 2014, Chairman Crosby recused himself from the licensing process after it became clear that Paul Lohnes, a former business associate of the official, was a part-owner of the site where Wynn Resorts offered to build its property.
Earlier this week, the Massachusetts Ethics Commission was sent a sworn statement, according to which Chairman Crosby had taken part in the selection process, despite his recusal. The official acknowledged that there was an ongoing preliminary inquiry but denied being involved in any wrongdoing.
After the Thursday meeting, Commissioner James McHugh, a former state appeals court judge, commented that he did not have information about Chairman Crosby having intervened in the Region A selection and licensing process after his recusal. Furthermore, Commissioner McHugh said that the Commission Chairman had not offered him any opinion or suggestion on which one of the three casino bidders he should choose.
Enrique Zuniga, another Commissioner at the state gambling regulator, confirmed that his choice was by no means influenced by Chairman Crosby.
Up to now, there is no further information about the ongoing Ethics Commission probe, as its proceedings are known to be confidential by law.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is currently facing another challenge concerning the choice of Wynn Resorts as the operator which is to build a gambling venue in Region A.
In January, the city of Boston filed a lawsuit against the regulator alleging that the awarded license was the result from a “corrupt process.” According to Boston officials, the application rules had been amended by the Commission so that Wynn Resorts could win the license.
Elaine Driscoll, a spokeswoman for the Massachusetts gaming regulator, called the filing, which was amended last month, a “personal assault” on the selection panel. She ensured that all four gambling licenses were granted after thorough examination of every single bidder.
Under the state gambling law, introduced back in 2011, Massachusetts could feature no more than three fully-fledged casinos and one slot parlor. Apart from Wynn Resorts, MGM Resorts International is to build a luxurious $800-million property in Springfield, Western Massachusetts. The third casino is to be established in Southeastern Massachusetts, but it is yet to be announced which one of the two bidders will be granted the license.
Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville, the state’s first gambling venue, is to open doors on June 24.
