11 Companies, Including Wynn And MGM, Vying For New Gambling Licenses In MassachusettsFirst Resort-Casino License To Be Awarded By End Of Feb. 2014 |
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The five-member Massachusetts Gaming Commission announced Tuesday that 11 businesses have submitted initial paperwork and paid a non-refundable $400,000 application fee in order to compete for a license to build and operate a new gambling location in the state.
In 2011, Massachusetts lawmakers approved a measure that allows up to three commercial Las Vegas-style casinos and one slots-only parlor in different areas of the state.
“The Massachusetts legislation drafted the Expanded Gaming Act prioritizing competition as key criteria,” Commission Chairman Steve Crosby said in a statement. “The Gaming Commission has vigorously carried that charge forward resulting in the achievement of a gaming competition that is robust and primed to obtain that absolute maximum benefits in job creation and economic growth to the residents of the commonwealth.”
The following have applied: MGM Springfield, Penn National Gaming, Plainridge Racecourse, Hard Rock MA, Wynn, Mohegan Sun, Sterling Suffolk Racecourse, Raynham Park, Mass Gaming Entertainment, PPE Casino Resorts and Crossroads Massachusetts.
Not all firms are vying for the same regions, as many have outlined where they want to build.
According to reports, Las Vegas casino developer Steve Wynn wants to build a $1 billion hotel as part of his proposal in eastern Massachusetts.
According to the Commission, background investigations of all applicants will begin immediately. State officials said they are looking for licensees who “meet the high standards for good character, honesty, integrity and financial suitability.”
That process could take up to six months.
The Commission said that the slots-parlor license will be awarded by the end the year, while the first of three resort-casino licenses will come on or before Feb. 26, 2014.
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