MGM Resorts may be awarded first of three Massachusetts casino licenses

Then again, the Commission could defer its decision since the MGM plan is the only viable proposal still under consideration for the lone license to be granted for a location in the western part of the state.

At a meeting last week, the commissioners suggested they want to give its staff and the license petitioners sufficient time to discuss any conditions or stipulations they might want to include in the license.

But at the same time, they also would like to get the show moving along. The second casino license to be awarded for the Boston area is still developing into a battle between Wynn Resorts for Everett, and Mohegan Sun for Suffolk Downs real estate in Revere.

Only four commissioners are working on that decision since Commission Chairman Stephen Crosby has recused himself due to concerns over whether his relationship with a former part-owner of the Everett property and attendance at an opening day party at Suffolk Downs could affect his judgment. This leaves just four commissioners to vote on the matter.

That didn’t seem to bother the commissioners. “We’re not the first board to have an even number of members,” said James McHugh, the acting chairman. “It’s inconceivable to me that we won’t reach a decision.”

MGM’s premiere position for the Springfield license has not been lost on gaming industry analysts. In recent weeks, several have suggested the company’s shares are poised for a sudden move higher. A Springfield casino license might be just the impetus for such a move.