SPRINGFIELD CASINO TO OPEN EARLY
MGM still committed to city
MGM, the subject of rumors involving an acquisition of Wynn Boston Harbor, said it will open its Springfield casino in August, a month earlier than expected — a move Springfield officials say is a sign the company is planning on sticking around.
“I look forward to working with
MGM Springfield for many years to come,” said Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno. “They’re a world-class company and an outstanding corporate citizen. I deeply appreciate their belief and investment in our Springfield.”
In a statement, Sarno said MGM president Bill Hornbuckle was in Springfield earlier this week, and told Sarno the company remained committed to the city. MGM and Wynn Resorts have had discussions about an acquisition of Wynn Boston Harbor. If MGM acquired the Everett casino, it would likely be forced to sell MGM Springfield. Under state law, casino companies are not allowed to own more than one casino in the state.
Yesterday, MGM said its Springfield casino will open Aug. 24. It had been expected to open in September.
“I never doubted that MGM was committed to the city of Springfield, I always knew they would fulfill their commitment and the most recent announcement just reaffirms it,” said Orlando Ramos, president of the Springfield City Council.
Also yesterday, MGM chief executive Jim Murren told stock analysts the company would be unlikely to take on the task of finishing the construction of another casino after just completing a major project in Springfield.
“It would have to be an extraordinary opportunity to take a step back and start burdening this company with more construction in progress,” Murren said. “I just don’t see it. I don’t think it’s likely.”
Earlier this week, Wynn Resorts chief executive Matt Maddox told CNBC, “Boston is not up for sale.” Still, Maddox told analysts just a day earlier the company would consider a sale if there was the possibility the project could pose a threat to the company’s brand.
Wynn Resorts has attempted to move on from accusations against former CEO Steve Wynn, including rape and sexual harassment. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is investigating whether Wynn should have disclosed a $7.5 million settlement, as well as whether executives at the company were aware of his alleged actions. Wynn has denied all the accusations.
Today, Wynn Resorts and representatives of Steve Wynn will present evidence to the commission that Steve Wynn no longer holds any influence or sway over the company that bears his name. If the commission agrees, Wynn will be removed from a list of “qualifiers,” key employees that must pass suitability checks. Even if Wynn is found to be completely severed from the company, the commission said, the investigation will continue.