Foxborough, MA, United States (AHN Sports) – New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is exploring partnering with Steve Wynn of Wynn resorts to build a state-of-the-art new casino in Foxborough on stadium grounds.
“We believe that Wynn Resorts is best in class in the resort destination industry, and we’ve invited Steve Wynn to visit Foxborough to meet with residents and decide if there is mutual interest in exploring a resort destination here,” Kraft Group spokesman Jeff Cournoyer said.
Kraft and the Pats are perhaps farthest along in the process than what could be many interested teams, the NHL’s Florida Panthers being one of them.
Several hurdles must be tackled, however, in order for such a plan to be implemented. For one, NFL rules dictate owners may not be allowed to undertake in any gambling enterprises.
The NFL is waiting to see what structure the deal between Wynn and Kraft Enterprises will take before making a decision. “Nothing has been presented to us concerning the specifics of any arrangement,” an NFL spokesman told the Boston Globe. “If and when that occurs, we will evaluate the transaction under our policies.”
The partnership will also need to beat out perceived front-runner Suffolk Downs in East Boston for the greater Boston area’s one resort casino license.
Massachusetts’ new casino law, just enacted this past year, requires approval from residents in a local referendum before construction of such a resort can proceed.
Similar hurdles will be met across the spectrum if teams explore leasing land to the gambling industry, what many states have recently legalized in order to meet state spending demands.
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