Mohegan Sun and Suffolk Downs in joint proposal to build casino

For years, Mohegan Sun had been planning to build a $1 billion resort casino on land just off Exit 8 off the Mass Pike in Palmer, but town voters rejected the proposal in a referendum vote earlier this month. A recount confirmed that the measure was defeated by a 94-vote margin.

Suffolk Downs, meanwhile, had formerly partnered with Caesars Entertainment, but had ended the partnership over doubts that the Las Vegas gaming company might not pass the state’s background check.

Revere Mayor Dan Rizzo released the following statement:

“Today, Suffolk Downs announced that they have reached an agreement with Mohegan Sun as their new gaming partner. In October of this year, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, through a unanimous 5-0 vote, found Mohegan Sun suitable to operate a gaming establishment in Massachusetts.  Cleary, Mohegan Sun is a first-class operator with a solid reputation in the industry and in our region.”  

“We are very encouraged by this announcement. This project, as being proposed, will create good paying jobs for residents in Revere and surrounding communities, provide more opportunities for local businesses, foster greater economic development opportunities, while investing millions of dollars in transportation and community improvement projects in Revere and the surrounding region. We look forward to continuing the process, and meeting the guidelines set about by the MGC, to realize a resort style casino at Suffolk Downs.”

Mohegan will be competing with Wynn Resorts’ proposal for a casino in nearby Everett, while the Connecticut-based gaming company’s departure from Palmer leaves MGM as the only player standing in the competition for western Massachusetts’ casino license.