The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) voted unanimously – 4-0 – to move forward with issuing gaming licenses despite a November ballot question that could eliminate casino gaming in the state.
Commissioner Jim McHugh spearheaded the effort to continue the licensing process.
“Proceeding now make good sense and is good public policy,” he said.
Boston Mayor Martin Walsh and multiple Boston elected officials had requested that the MGC postpone awarding a casino license for the Greater Boston area until after voters decide on the November ballot question.
The city’s position was presented Wednesday during a meeting at Bunker Hill Community College’s Charlestown Campus by Gene O’Flaherty, a former State Rep from Charlestown and Chelsea who now serves as corporation counsel for Boston. O’Flaherty argued Mayor Walsh’s case for delaying the license award.
Testimony was also provided by Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria and legal representatives for casino applicants Wynn Resorts and Mohegan Sun.
In a separate unanimous vote following the discussion, the MGC directed Boston to commence its Surrounding Community Agreement (SCA) arbitration process on July 3.
All other SCA arbitration processes, including those for Somerville and Chelsea, have already been completed.
Commissioner Steve Crosby took no part in the proceedings, having recused himself from the Greater Boston region casino process earlier in the year.