Massachusetts regulators expedite Encore Boston Harbor paperwork
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission stayed true to its word that it would expedite approvals needed to open Encore Boston Harbor.
Less than a week after hitting Las Vegas-based Wynn Resorts Ltd. with a record $35 million fine while allowing the company to keep its gaming license in that state, commissioners heard reports and granted some approvals Monday leading up to a planned June 23 opening of the resort in Everett, Massachusetts.
Wynn’s Massachusetts development team updated commissioners on completed work, minority and women workforce compliance, environmental concerns, as well as transportation and traffic mitigation planning for what will be the state’s second commercial casino resort.
MGM Resorts International opened MGM Springfield in the western part of the state in August, but interest is high for Encore Boston Harbor because it cost $2.6 billion to build, it’s in the state’s largest population center and the resort itself has been amid controversy for more than a year.
Commissioners revisited the suitability of the company to hold a license with a nine-month investigation that former Chairman and CEO Steve Wynn sexually harassed women employees for several years. Steve Wynn denies the allegations.
The investigation and an adjudicatory hearing in early April focused on what executives and board members knew about the allegations and how they responded.
Commissioners decided April 30 to allow Wynn to keep its gaming license, but pay a $35 million fine. In addition, Wynn CEO Matt Maddox was ordered to pay a $500,000 fine. Several other sanctions also were ordered by commissioners.
Wynn and Maddox have until May 31 to pay the fines.
Wynn Resorts on Monday reiterated that it is reviewing the decision and considering its next steps. Resolution of the matter could come this week since the Wynn board of directors is meeting and reviews all regulatory fines. The company also is expected to post first-quarter earnings this week.
Monday’s update gave the public its first opportunity to hear details on the 15 bars and restaurants that will be opening at the property.
The company has made a request similar to one approved for MGM in Springfield that alcoholic beverages be allowed to be served until 4 a.m. Current policy requires that alcohol not be served after 2 a.m. The commission requested public comment on the alcohol policy request through May 20.
Commissioners also are seeking comments on amended environmental standards regarding the number of player positions for poker and table games as well as a revision in gaming establishment boundaries for Encore Boston Harbor.
Contact Richard N. Velotta at rvelotta@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3893. Follow @RickVelotta on Twitter.
Closing in on opening
Representatives of Encore Boston Harbor gave updates to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission Monday in a quarterly report on progress at the $2.6 billion resort in Everett, Massachusetts.
Some of those updates:
-Site utilities and plant selection and planting are completed. A floating dock that is part of transportation to and from the resort is considered 99 percent complete. Site paving, hampered recently by bad weather, is 70 percent done.
-Two of four parking garages are completed; the two others are 85 percent and 95 percent complete.
-Wall framing and millwork in the casino are done. Drywall is 98 percent complete and carpet is 99 percent installed.
-In the casino, 3,109 of 3,130 slot machines are installed. All 143 non-poker table games are in and 16 of 88 poker tables are installed.
-The convention area is completed.
-Stonework, painting, carpeting and wall coverings are nearly completed on every floor of hotel rooms.
-A total of 1,150 employees are hired with 5,200 or 5,800 employees in various stages of the regulatory review process. All hiring is expected to be completed by May 31.
-Work is continuing on several off-site traffic mitigation projects that include roads, trains, parking lots and boats.
