Vegas casino titan Steve Wynn, who passed a big hurdle yesterday before the state Gaming Commission, has been meeting with legislators and said the Bay State’s casino law needs changes before he’ll consider the business climate here palatable.
“In our conversations with the state, we’re attempting to get issues resolved that will comfort us,”
Wynn said during a break at yesterday’s hearing, at which the commission’s investigators recommended Wynn be deemed suitable to pursue a license.
“We’re expected to make unequivocal commitments — both in the way we do our business, financially, and everything else — to the state of Massachusetts. And we want to make sure that we have the same thing in return,” Wynn said.
Wynn declined to detail what changes he wants in the casino law, telling a Herald reporter, “Not with you. This is not the place.”
But in later remarks, Wynn referred to his concerns about the “arithmetic of gaming establishments” and having enough revenue to keep job-creation promises.
Wynn made a low-key visit to the Hub two weeks ago, during which he met with Beacon Hill legislators including Rep. Brian Dempsey of Haverhill, chairman of Ways and Means. Dempsey has not returned calls for comment about the meeting.
“Remember, the motivation for this law, if there was one, was jobs and taxes,” Wynn said. “There’s a discussion that has to go on as we marry the initial intent of the legislation to the practical requirements of operation, and to have a stable workforce.”
The commission’s investigative arm reported yesterday it “has not discovered any disqualifying factors” that would preclude Wynn, who wants to build a
$1.3 billion destination resort on the Mystic River in Everett, from pursuing a gaming license. Investigators suggested the commissioners condition their decision on Wynn and his legal team — headed by former Gov. William Weld — demonstrating that the company’s business practices in Macao are up to standard. The commission is expected to issue its decision in writing in the next week or so.
Wynn may have to compete for the sole eastern region license with Mohegan Sun, which wants to build a casino on the Revere side of Suffolk Downs but still has to submit new plans and go through a host community referendum in Revere.
http://bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_coverage/2013/12/wynn_pushing_for_changes_to_bay_state_casino_law
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