Mass. suits trying to stop Wynn casino costing 1.4M

Boston— Lawsuits challenging Massachusetts’ decision to award Wynn Resorts a gambling license have come with a hefty price tag.

The state Gaming Commission and three cities involved in the legal fight — Boston, Revere and Somerville — have spent more than $1.4 million combined since the first complaints were filed in October, a review by The Associated Press has found.

The cities, which each have filed separate lawsuits, want the court to nullify the commission’s decision and revoke Wynn’s casino license. They have accused commission members and Wynn officials of misconduct and corruption at nearly every phase of the two-year competition.

The cumulative costs for the litigation, to which Wynn is not a party, are sure to increase if a state judge allows any or all of the lawsuits to move forward.

The Gaming Commission has until July 31 to file motions to dismiss the complaints; the judge will consider those arguments Sept. 22.

The lawsuits by the three cities also could have major consequences for the state’s nascent casino industry. Wynn’s $1.7 billion plan for the Everett waterfront across from Boston was envisioned as the crown jewel of the state’s growing casino empire, which also includes the Plainridge Park slots parlor that opened recently in Plainville and an $800 million resort casino MGM is developing in Springfield.

“We are a nation of laws, not men,” Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone said in a statement. “Yet throughout the Greater Boston area licensing process, we have seen the Massachusetts Gaming Commission and the Commonwealth itself change the rules.”

Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh said the city’s $684,718 in legal bills— by far the largest among the entities involved — represents a necessary expenditure to protect city residents, particularly in the Charlestown neighborhood, which will feel the brunt of traffic to the Wynn casino.

In Revere, Mayor Daniel Rizzo says his city’s nearly $350,000 in legal costs come at no cost to taxpayers: Mohegan Sun is picking up the tab.

The administration says the city’s host community agreement with the Connecticut-based casino company remains in effect, despite Mohegan Sun’s loss to rival Wynn.

The Gaming Commission, which declined to comment on the pending lawsuits, says it has spent $320,000 to defend itself.