Murren: Wynn doesn’t speak for the entire industry

MGM Mirage boss Jim Murren doesn’t mind that rival casino operator Steve Wynn made the rounds on cable television recently.

Murren wants to be clear, however, that Wynn, the chairman of Wynn Resorts, isn’t the voice for the entire gaming industry with his critical remarks on how the Obama administration is handling the economy and healthcare.

“Never has. Never will, and he doesn’t speak for us,” said Murren, the chairman and chief executive officer of MGM Mirage.

Murren said Wynn’s commentary is not a view he shares.

“I disagree with it,” Murren said.

But he doesn’t take issue with Wynn’s right to voice his opinion.

“He’s very well known and he’s a provocative speaker,” Murren said. “He is a celebrity and he enjoys doing that. He does not speak for the industry, nor does he speak for us.”

Added Murren, a Republican who supported the election of President Barack Obama, “I just don’t share most of (Wynn’s) views, and nor do I listen to them.”

Follow this link to today’s Inside Gaming column on Wynn.