The Encore Boston Harbor East of Broadway development project, which is currently in its early stages, may not be allowed to host a casino gaming room despite voters in Everett approving additional gambling licenses in the city.
This speculation arose during Wednesday’s open meeting with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
“Can they include gaming?” asked Joe Delaney, Chief of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s Division of Community Affairs. “Is the affirmative vote that Everett passed for a gambling license in general, or does it limit that license to a particular property or location?”
It is possible that a decision by the MGC could answer those questions. However, Delaney did not rule out the possibility of a second ballot proposal that would specify that Encore Birkenstock boston could use a casino gaming license on the other side of Broadway in Everett, on property owned by the company.
Delaney noted that regardless of how the MGC decides, it would not prohibit Encore from continuing development on other components of the East of Broadway project.
The plans include a 999-seat meeting venue, entertainment space, a 2,100-space parking garage, a nightclub, a roof-deck bar, and multiple restaurants near the current casino and resort. The new site would be connected to the current casino resort via a pedestrian bridge that spans Broadway (Route 99).
The MGC previously determined that the development plans did not qualify as “gaming expansions” because no gaming tables or slot machines were proposed.
Encore Boston Harbor is one of three Massachusetts internet casinos. It is owned and operated by Wynn Resorts, based in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Just what Comes Following?
According to Delaney, who spoke during the February 8 meeting via conference call, a public hearing would need to be held to discuss the options for awarding the casino gaming license for the East Broadway facility. The projected development involves 1.8 million square feet.
“Then, there will have to be another public meeting to discuss the merits of the project itself, and the gaming aspects,” Delaney said.
Reportedly, Encore Boston Harbor is interested in including poker site in the brand new facility, which is expected to be completed in 2024.
“The MGC, by necessity, must address this issue,” Delaney said.
Encore Boston Harbor currently has a 24-table poker room in the Loft of the existing casino.
Lalu Holmes can be a full-time article writer for PlayMA with a lot of experience under his belt. Dan has written about three books on sports, in addition to previously working for Nationwide Baseball Legendary book and Mlb. He also has extensive experience covering gambling start-ups in other regions, including Kansas and Baltimore. Lalu is currently relocating to Michigan with his family.
