An overflow crowd packed the Boston convention center on Wednesday to hear from the firms competing for a coveted eastern Massachusetts resort casino license. Connecticut's Mohegan Sun is one of two companies in the running for the license.
Mohegan Sun wants to develop a $1.3 billion casino on land owned by Suffolk Downs in Revere, pending the results of a February 25 referendum in the city.
Mitchell Etess, chief executive of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, said the company would bring "old fashioned New England know-how" to the project. He said there will be immediate economic benefits.
"Two hundred and seventeen million dollars," he said, "you can see, in our first year of operation. This is the gaming tax revenue generated by Mohegan Sun Massachusetts, which is forecast to be the highest in the Commonwealth. We really do not inflate our estimates."
The company competing against Mohegan is Wynn Resorts. It has proposed a $1.2 billion resort casino along the Mystic River in Everett. Las Vegas casino operator Steve Wynn openly mocked Mohegan Sun's proposal, saying it would be a "three-star" resort, while his would be "five star."
On Thursday, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission will hear from MGM Springfield, the only western Massachusetts applicant for a casino license, which will present its plans to the commission.
This report contains information from The Associated Press.
