Two days after being given the green light to operate by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC), Wynn Resorts $2.6bn Encore Boston Harbor has opened its doors to the public.
Following three test play nights on June 17, June 19 and June 20, the casino was given the go ahead to operate. Massachusetts Gaming Commission staff monitored and evaluated the practice events at the $2.6bn casino for strict adherence and compliance with state law and MGC’s internal control regulations.
“As Encore Boston Harbor prepares to open its doors, the MGC remains focused on ensuring that our policies and procedures protect the integrity of the industry and safeguard fair play for patrons,” said Commissioner Eileen O’Brien, who observed the test nights and was delegated by fellow commissioners to issue opening approval.
“I want to commend the dedication of the IEB, ITSD, finance and all additional MGC staff for their commitment to the highest standards of regulatory compliance.”
“I want to thank each of you for joining us on this beautiful day, including our first resort guests,” commented Bob DeSalvio, president of Encore Boston Harbor. “To the members of Everett United, thank you, you have been with us all the way from the beginning and I couldn’t be more pleased that you are here with us today.”
The five-member MGC found that the three test nights demonstrated “material compliance” with the gaming law, commission regulations and the terms and conditions of its license.
“Eight years ago the people of Massachusetts and lawmakers had the foresight to understand that with the passing of the gaming legislation, there could be the opportunity for economic development and the finest integrated resort in the region,” added Matt Maddox, CEO of Wynn Resorts. “I am here to tell you Encore Boston Harbor has achieved those goals.”
MGC Chair, Cathy Judd-Stein commented on how the license of the property will continue to be monitored following the opening, but that the test days showed a commitment to meet license requirements.
She commented: “The gaming law and commission regulations set extraordinarily high standards to ensure that the Commonwealth would receive maximum benefits from the gaming industry, while also addressing any potential impacts. Extensive reviews conducted by the MGC for more than four years provide strong evidence that Encore Boston Harbor has not only met the necessary requirements, but in many instances has exceeded its commitments and expectations.
“Encore Boston Harbor has delivered a property of superior quality, has provided numerous transportation options to access the site and has cleaned up a waterfront that has not been accessible to the public in more than 100 years. Encore has demonstrated a relentless commitment to diversity, the promotion of regional tourism, a commitment to local hiring and vendor utilization and has provided substantial mitigation funding to host and surrounding communities.
“I commend the MGC team, the many state and local agencies and community participants who have played a major role in the work leading to today’s approval.”
The Commission anticipates that it will issue Encore Boston Harbor’s final operations certificate during a public meeting in June on a date to be determined.
