Gov to name gaming chief in ‘near future’

Commission’s Wynn probe nears finish

Gov. Charlie Baker plans to appoint a new head of the state Gaming Commission soon, his office said, as the commission nears the final act of its investigation into Steve Wynn and Wynn Resorts.

“The Governor will make an appointment for the chair of the Commission in the near future,” Baker spokeswoman Sarah Finlaw said in a statement.

Baker is charged with replacing Stephen Crosby, who resigned as chair in September following allegations of bias and prejudging the outcome of the investigation. Both Steve Wynn and Mohegan Sun, which lost the Boston-area casino license to Wynn Resorts, made separate claims calling for Crosby to recuse himself. Crosby had already recused himself from the initial license decision after he attended an event at Suffolk Downs, Mohegan Sun’s partner.

The commission is nearing the conclusion of its inquiry into the sexual harassment allegations against Steve Wynn and the company’s possible involvement in a $7.5 million settlement, as well as its response to the allegations. The commission has said it expects to present its report and hold a full hearing next month. It is unclear whether Baker will appoint a new chair before or after the Wynn investigation is complete.

Under state law, the governor has the sole discretion to appoint the chair of the Gaming Commission. Two of the four other members are appointed by the treasurer and attorney general, with the other two are appointed by consensus among the three offices.

In September, the commission tapped Gayle Cameron, a longtime commissioner, to serve as interim chair until a permanent one is put in place.