Gaming Commission Shifts Focus To Suffolk Downs' Future
BOSTON (CBS) -- A week after awarding the eastern Massachusetts casino license to Wynn Resorts for their proposal in Everett, the state's gaming commission will turn its attention to Suffolk Downs in a meeting on Thursday.
Wynn was granted the license over a competing proposal from Mohegan Sun in Revere near the site of Suffolk Downs. Track officials have said that the decision means live horse racing will end on October 4, putting many out of work. The 79-year-old track plans to continue simulcasting races until December.
Commission Chairman James McHugh told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens that he recognized the ripple effect the decision will have on Suffolk Downs and horse racing in Massachusetts.
"They're good people, it's a good industry, and we're going to figure out what we can do to help and assist all of them," he said.
The commission plans to explore all options to keep racing going in Massachusetts at Thursday's meeting.
"I hope we can find a way to do that, we'll be focused on trying to find a way to do that or some portion of it, and we'll be focusing on it with energy," McHugh said.
Also on Thursday's agenda are progress reports from Penn National Gaming, awarded a license to build a slot parlor in Plainville, and MGM's planned casino in West Springfield.
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