Wynn Resorts has won the sole Boston-area gambling license with a $1.6 billion plan for a waterfront casino in Everett, Massachusetts.

The Everett proposal beat out Mohegan Sun's plan for a casino at Suffolk Downs in Revere, worth $1.1 billion.

Four Massachusetts Gaming Commission officials first gave their opinions in a non-binding poll Tuesday afternoon. Three of the commissioners said they leaned in favor of the Wynn proposal because they believed it would lead to more jobs and economic development for the state.

After the commissioners explained their thoughts, they voted to ratify the decision.

"We believe that a great deal of the resistance and energy that we experienced in some surrounding communities, and especially with Boston, was directly related to the fact that this was a competition. We expect that now that a decision has been made, everybody will find it much easier to relate to one another, get on with the job of creating jobs and building a better life for the citizens of Everett and the surrounding communities in the Greater Boston area," said Steve Wynn in a statement.

Wynn added that the decision created a "potential for enormous benefits."

"It would be unreasonable to expect that all of the parties involved will fail to reach for, and accelerate, the realization of those benefits," said Wynn.

Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria issued a statement thanking supporters of the proposed casino.

"I want to thank the people of Everett for their continued support throughout the last two years as we made the journey to this point together," the statement read.

DeMaria went on to thank the people of Revere and Mayor Dan Rizzo for their work and energy during the process, saying that that city should be proud of its mayor.

Suffolk Downs COO Chip Tuttle expressed his displeasure with the decision.

"We are extraordinarily disappointed as this action is likely to cost the Commonwealth thousands of jobs," said Tuttle in a statement. "We will be meeting with employees and horsemen over the next several days to talk about how we wind down racing operations as a 79-year legacy of thoroughbred racing in Massachusetts will be coming to an end, resulting in unemployment and uncertainty for many hard-working people."

"Right now, weighing heavily on me is the 850 jobs, 850-plus jobs, at Suffolk Downs probably getting pink slips tomorrow," said Rizzo. "And that's very, very discouraging."

Mohegan Sun's CEO also voiced his organization's disappointment

"[We] believe we are the best choice for the Commonwealth's flagship casino," wrote Mitchell Etess. "We want to thank our supporters, Suffolk Downs, Mayor Rizzo, the city of Revere and all of our partners for their tireless efforts to bring jobs and economic growth to this region."

During the poll, Commissioners Gayle Cameron, Bruce Stebbins and Enrique Zuniga voted in favor of Wynn, while Acting Chairman James McHugh held out because he had doubts about whether the resort would open on time.

One of the biggest challenges remaining for Wynn is persuading Massachusetts environmental regulators that he has come up with an adequate plan to mitigate added traffic on Route 99 and the notoriously congested Sullivan Square area of Charlestown.

As a condition of winning the license, Wynn has agreed to commit some $70 million towards the cost of redesigning Sullivan Square and controlling traffic jams on the I-93-Route 99 interchange and ramp. Wynn also has to get Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, who has battled against Wynn and the commission over what cash and community benefits and traffic relief Wynn should have to provide, to sign off on many of his planned transportation upgrades.

"I will continue to do everything to protect the people of Charlestown. That remains my main focus," said Walsh in a statement. "Wynn's current offer to the City of Boston is unacceptable. We are evaluating the gambling commission's decision, and all of the conditions imposed on the issuance of this license."

Walsh added that the door is not closed on a negotiation with Wynn.

"My only focus is negotiating the strongest mitigation for the people of Boston," he said.