MGM Looks To Clear Next Hurdle In $800 Million Springfield Casino Bid
BOSTON (CBS/AP) - The investigative arm of the state's gambling commission is recommending that MGM Resorts International be found suitable to proceed with a bid for a casino in downtown Springfield, with certain conditions.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports
MGM Looks To Clear Next Hurdle In $800 Million Springfield Casino Bid
The commission's Bureau of Investigations and Enforcement said a months-long review did not find any factors that would disqualify MGM.
But in a report issued Monday at the South Boston Convention Center, the bureau said the panel should make sure it was satisfied with the company's handling of two key matters before issuing a final finding.
One issue under discussion was the company's handling of the 2008 conviction of a former board member in a wiretapping case. MGM officials acknowledged errors in judgment in allowing Terry Christensen to continue advising MGM after his conviction.
Another matter of concern was MGM's dealings in the Chinese territory of Macau.
If found suitable, MGM would be clear to submit a final application for the sole western Massachusetts resort casino license.
MGM would be the only applicant in the region.
Follow: Carl Stevens Tweets From Hearing
It would like to build a resort casino on 14.5 acres of land in Springfield, including a 25-story hotel. The project would cost $800 million. Voters approved the plan back in July.
Springfield officials are now hoping the commission gives MGM a green light to move forward in the application process.
The commission will vote after hearing testimony, but that vote was not expected Monday.
The Gaming Commission has scheduled a similar hearing for Wynn Resorts on Dec. 16 about a casino in Everett.
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