Massachusetts Gaming Commission declines resort-casino license in Southeastern Massachusetts

After a detailed and comprehensive evaluation process, the five gaming commissioners voted 4-1 via roll call to not issue the resort-casino license to the sole applicant, Mass Gaming & Entertainment, LLC (MG&E).

Chairman Steve Crosby and Commissioners Gayle Cameron, Bruce Stebbins and Enrique Zuniga voted to not award the license, while Commissioner Lloyd Macdonald voted in favor of awarding the license.

Beginning on April 26, 2016 at the Shaw's Center in Brockton, the members of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission presented their reviews of the category 1 RFA-2 application submitted by MG&E for a resort-casino proposal in Brockton. Each of the five commissioners took the lead on overseeing a group of advisers and industry experts to evaluate the application based the Commission's key evaluation categories including: Finance, Economic Development, Building & Site Design, Mitigation and General / Overview.

"We evaluated and deliberated as thoroughly and comprehensively as we possibly could," said Chairman Steve Crosby. "These decisions are difficult and we acknowledge can be very disappointing for the invested participants. However in the end, the Commission has a responsibility to make a big decision in view of all considerations and that includes the best long-term interests of the Commonwealth. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the applicant Mass Gaming & Entertainment LLC for their commitment and hard work, to acknowledge the City of Brockton and Mayor Bill Carpenter for his advocacy and passion for his community, and my fellow commissioners, MGC staff and those who participated in the evaluation process for their dedication and meticulous attention to detail."