EVERETT, MASS. (WHDH) - The future of Everett’s resort casino remains murky as the Massachusetts Gaming Commission works to develop a process on how to handle the results of its investigation into Wynn Resorts and its founder, Steve Wynn.
The casino has been built and its name has been changed to “Encore” but questions are still swirling as officials weigh the results of their investigation, which was prompted by a Wall Street Journal report that alleged extensive allegations of sexual misconduct against Wynn.
A large part of the investigation has been centered on Wynn Resorts’ failure to disclose a multi-million dollar payout to a woman who accused him of assault to state gaming investigators.
Officials have not yet released their report, but there is a possibility that the gaming commission could suspend or revoke Wynn’s Everett license.
Commission chairman Stephen Crosby resigned Wednesday ahead of the much-anticipated release of the results, citing accusations of bias that were leveled against him in a letter from Wynn’s lawyer.
“There has never been a shred of truth or accuracy to any charge of bias, favoritism, corrupt practice, ethics violations, or prejudgment,” Crosby said in a statement.
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker also chimed in on the investigation, calling Wynn’s alleged actions “appalling.”
“The allegations associated with Steve Wynn were appalling and I’m glad he’s not involved in the company anymore,” Baker said.
Wynn denied the claims and has since stepped down as the CEO of Wynn Resorts.
Baker declined to comment on whether he believed Wynn Resorts should keep its license and instead deferred to the commission.
“It’s up to them to make a decision in the next few weeks. What do you think? This is not my call, this is their call,” he said. “I haven’t even seen the report. I don’t know what’s in it. Obviously, I, like many others, would be interested in seeing what that report has to say.”
In a statement, Encore Boston Harbor said, “We continue to support the gaming commission’s process.”
The $2.4 billion casino is on track to open in June 2019.
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