When asked why an Everett casino would be better than the one proposed at Suffolk Downs, Steve Wynn had one simple answer: “the developer.”
The casino mogul, who has built Las Vegas casinos Treasure Island, Bellagio and The Mirage, made it clear today during a briefing with Mayor Carlo DeMaria that he wants to build a casino in Everett.
“When a city like Everett decides that it wants to encourage change, whether it is industrial, or recreational or residential, those are big decisions,” he said. “This idea that Massachusetts is going to allow casino gaming in certain places has stirred a lot of interest across the state.”
Wynn previously tried to develop a casino in Foxboro, but failed due to poor reception within the town.
“At the time of that invitation, Robert Kraft and I made it clear that it would only be a good idea for Wynn Resorts if it would be a good idea for Foxboro,” Wynn said. “As time went by it became clear that there was a divided opinion… on whether the community wanted to have a destination hotel development such as we build.”
The Everett casino would be built on a 37-acre parcel on Horizon Way.
Formerly known as “Chemical Lane,” the site was long-used as a spot for industrial businesses, and has been vacant since 1983.
When asked if he was concerned over the parcel’s history, Wynn said “it has to be cleaned.”
The casino is up against another proposed casino only miles away, in Revere, where Suffolk Downs and Caesar’s Entertainment have applied for casino development rights at the famous East Boston horse track.
