Walsh Rips Mass. Gaming Commission

Walsh accused the commission of being "bias"

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh crafted a scathing letter earlier this week, accusing the Massachusetts Gaming Commission of being "bias." For Walsh, the letter was the Vegas equivalent of putting all his chips on red.

The Gaming commission will decide on a license for a Boston area casino in the coming days. They'll choose between a Mohegan Sun Casino in Revere and a Wynn Casino in Everett.

Walsh cites his "vehement objection" to the awarding of a license in the letter. He charges the gaming commission has abandoned the citizens of Boston by relegating the city to surrounding community status.

Walsh's legal counsel backed him up, arguing that the surrounding community agreements in Boston, Somerville and Chelsea are invalid.

According to Walsh, the chair of the gaming commission, James McHugh, "stonewalled" Boston's request for documents filed by Wynn Casinos for their bid to locate in Everett.

His letter concluded with a not so subtle threat of a lawsuit.

"The commission has consistently engaged in conduct that unequivocally demonstrates bias against the city of Boston. The city reserves its right to challenge the legality and enforce-ability of all the commission's decisions," wrote Walsh.

Commonwealth Magazine has been tracking the Casino competition since the very beginning.

The magazine published a recent story featuring Wynn Casinos CEO Steve Wynn and the headline "Don't bet against me."

Is it possible Steve Wynn has met his match in Walsh? Bruce Mohl, the editor of the magazine, joined Jim Braude on Broadside to discuss. 

Contact Us