Wynn Resorts receives key approvals to open its Encore Boston Harbor

Massachusetts gambling regulators have given Wynn Resorts key approvals for opening its USD 2.6 billion Boston-area casino, Encore Boston Harbor.

The state’s Gaming Commission on Wednesday authorized Wynn to conduct three trial gambling days next week after commission staff inspected Encore Boston Harbor’s 3,158 slot machines, 143 table games and 88 poker tables.

The commission also confirmed Wynn has met or exceeded most of its license requirements. Company officials acknowledged they’re still working to meet a goal to have women comprise 50% of the casino staff. They so far represent 44%.

The planned opening comes after MGM ended talks with Wynn to purchase Encore Boston Harbor after public officials' concerns. Completing the deal would have forced MGM to relinquish the casino license it holds in Western Massachusetts, and presumably sell MGM Springfield, the state’s first resort casino, which opened in August.

Furthermore, the company paid Massachusetts a record $35.5 million in fines last month for failing to disclose the allegations of sexual misconduct against company founder Steve Wynn, who denies the allegations but resigned as CEO.

The Everett resort officially opens June 23.