Land deal may not hurt Wynn bid

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 22 November 2013 | 18.38

The head of the state Gaming Commission yesterday said a federal investigation into whether a businessman with a criminal record is a secret part-owner of the Everett site of Steve Wynn's proposed $1.3 billion casino may not affect Wynn's chances of being approved for the sole gaming license in Eastern Massachusetts.

"We are investigating this. We have been for some time," Stephen Crosby, the commission's chairman, said when asked about the probe into whether Charles A. Lightbody is a hidden investor who stands to make millions if the casino is awarded the license.

Based on what he's seen so far, Crosby added, "It didn't have anything to do with Wynn. This is nothing Wynn knew anything about."

Lightbody, 59, was originally one of the owners of the 30-acre site, but withdrew before Wynn optioned it late last year, Lightbody's attorney, Timothy Flaherty said.

Wynn Resorts yesterday said in a statement the gaming commission's Investigations and Enforcement Bureau raised concerns about "potential participants who had not been disclosed to us. Those concerns were denied by the selling group ... but the IEB still had outstanding concerns regarding the selling group."

As a result, Wynn Resorts is amending its option agreement to clearly confirm ownership and cut the option price to reflect fair-market value without casino use, the company said.

Lightbody, who was convicted of assault in 2001 and larceny in 2007, was arrested last month on charges of assault and battery for allegedly hitting the head of the union that represents Suffolk Downs' betting clerks at a pro-casino rally in Revere.

Everett City Councilor Michael McLaughlin said he trusts the gaming commission to conduct its own investigation.

"The people of Everett have spoken," McLaughlin said, referring to last summer's overwhelming vote in favor of the casino. "We welcome Steve Wynn and his development."

The gaming commission yesterday scheduled a suitability hearing for Wynn's project Dec. 16, and one for MGM's proposed Springfield casino Dec. 9.

Also yesterday, Suffolk Downs, whose former partner, Caesars Entertainment, withdrew because of concerns about debt and purported mob links, told the commission that it expects to have a new gaming partner in the coming weeks. Chip Tuttle, the racetrack's chief operating officer, proposed shifting the site of the casino from East Boston and Revere to Revere only after East Boston voters rejected the project. The commission said it would consult with its lawyers before deciding whether to permit the change.


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