On September 27th, the Gaming Commission is set to discuss the next step in the re-evaluation process of Wynn’s suitability to own a casino operating license. The discussions come as the next step of the investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against the ex casino tycoon Steve Wynn.
Since January 2018, the Commission has been engaged in the re-evaluation process of the circumstances surrounding its 2014 decision to hand a casino license to Wynn Resorts. Previously, it was confirmed by the chief of the Commission’s investigation bureau that the casino mogul had paid a private settlement estimated to US$7.5 million to resolve an allegation of sexual harassment filed by his manicurist. Neither the allegation nor the following settlement was disclosed at the time when Wynn Resorts applied for an operating casino license in the state of Massachusetts or at the time when the operator received one.
Earlier in September, Edward Bedrosian, the Gaming Commission’s Executive Director, explained that investigators were to later review “a few outstanding matters” in Las Vegas. Furthermore, he revealed that the Commission’s discussion on the investigation and its conclusion were still ongoing.
A public hearing on the investigation’s findings will be also held sometime in October by the Commission. Of course, Mr. Wynn and his official representatives will also be given a chance to respond to the findings.
The information about the alleged sexual misconducts of Mr. Wynn not only destroyed Mr. Wynn’s reputation but also ended up with a massive wave of investigations as soon as it became public, causing him to file his resignation and step down from his executive role in the company.
Massachusetts Gaming Commission to Discuss Other Matters as Well
On September 27th, the Gaming Commission is also expected to have a discussion for a possible reconsideration of Mass Gaming & Entertainment’s rejected bid to construct a casino on the Brockton Fairgrounds.
At the time when the Region C discussion was deferred until September, the local Commission members said they wanted to see an in-depth analysis of the region in order to fully understand the status of the gambling market in the Northeast region. The Commission also wanted to get more information about the potential impact which sports betting, daily fantasy sports (DFS) and online gaming could have on casino gambling as part of the area’s analysis.
Tomorrow, the Massachusetts gaming regulatory body will also consider a request filed by the Encore casino. The venue, which is currently being constructed in Everett, applied for a non-disclosure agreement with the Gaming Commission. Despite the fact that the request was backed by Wynn Resorts, an official representative of the Encore casino revealed to local media that that was not connected to the investigation into Wynn. as shared by Encore’s representative, the request would only cover information related to business operations which the gambling venue is required to share with the gambling regulator.
