BOSTON—After voters overwhelmingly defeated a ballot question to repeal the state's gaming law, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission unanimously approved resort casino licenses to affiliates of MGM and Wynn Resorts on Wednesday.
The commission had selected MGM for its resort in Springfield, MA and for Wynn Resorts for its project in Everett outside of Boston months earlier but ratified the respective awards after voters defeated the casino law repeal proposal on Tuesday.
Wynn MA, LLC president Robert DeSalvio announced that Wynn Resorts has paid the $85 million license fee to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. MGM will pay its $85-million licensing fee to the commission on Nov. 17.
Wynn plans to convert a contaminated site on the Mystic River that previously housed a Monsanto chemical plant into a $1.6-billion, five-star international destination. Wynn Everett will feature more than 500 rooms, high-end retail and dining, ballroom and meeting space.
MGM affiliate Blue Tarp reDevelopment, LLC is spending $800 million to build MGM Springfield. The mixed-used development project calls for a 25-story 250-room hotel with amenities that will feature a spa, pool and roof deck; 125,000 square feet of gaming space with 3,000 slot machines, 75 gaming tables, a poker room and high limit VIP gambling area; approximately 55,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space that will accommodate 15 shops and restaurants; and a multi-level parking garage.
James J. Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International says of the commission's award. "This has been one of the most exciting weeks in MGM's history. We are grateful to the voters of the Commonwealth, and especially the people of Springfield for voting for jobs and economic opportunities. Today we want to thank the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for formalizing our agreement that will allow us to revitalize a great downtown."
MGM Springfield immediately began work on the property after the casino repeal ballot question was defeated. On Wednesday morning, heavy equipment was at the Howard Street School to conduct geotechnical soil assessments. The site will house a 3,500-space parking garage. This is the first time since 2012, when MGM first formally announced its interest in a resort casino in Springfield, that construction activity has taken place on the site. It signals the kick off to early preparations for a spring 2015 groundbreaking, company officials state.
MGM Springfield President Michael Mathis says, "Before year's end we will finalize critical construction permits and close on real estate transactions, including 1200 Main St. and 73 State St. Additionally, in early 2015 we will announce our general contractor."
MGM Springfield is projected to create 3,000 permanent jobs and 2,000 construction jobs in Downtown Springfield.
Robert DeSalvio, a senior vice president of development for Wynn Resorts, presented the panel with a ceremonial $85-million check at the commission's session on Wednesday.
''We're so excited to get the project started,'' DeSalvio told the Associated Press. ''It just shows our commitment to the Commonwealth.''
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John Jordan
John Jordan is a veteran journalist with 36 years of print and digital media experience.
