Revere Voters Say Yes to Casino

Earlier this week voters in Revere came out in favor of a billion-dollar resort casino proposed by Mohegan Sun. However, Mohegan Sun will still have to compete with Wynn Resorts for the only eastern Massachusetts casino license.

After the referendum the CEO of Mohegan Sun, Mitchell Etess, said that he is hopeful of convincing the state gambling regulators to give his company the license. In a statement he said, “We’re going to win this license because our application to Massachusetts is unconditional. We are ready to go.”

During the referendum casino backers and opponents held up signs on opposing sides of some railway tracks near a polling station.

A Revere resident and union carpenter Kevin Russell, said that he believes the casino would be a “win-win” for the city as it would create more jobs, generate revenue and lower property taxes and water bills.

On the other side were members of Revere’s clergy, Rev. George Szal said, “It’s a slayer of souls. It’s a slayer of families and ultimately of the community itself.”

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission will have the final word on which company receives the casino license. Wynn Resorts has proposed a $1.6 billion casino just three miles away from the Revere site.