Mohegan Sun could build a Greater Boston casino six months faster than a competitor could, tap a database of millions of New England gamers on Day One and save the Suffolk Downs racetrack and the 1,400 jobs it sustains, Mohegan executives told Massachusetts gaming regulators today.
In a 90-minute presentation timed to the second, the Mohegan Sun Massachusetts team touted its $1.3 billion proposal for the city of Revere, referring only in passing to “the other applicant” for the one license the Massachusetts Gaming Commission is expected to award for Greater Boston.
The other applicant, Wynn Resorts, which is proposing a project of similar scale in the city of Everett, gives its presentation this afternoon.
Mitchell Etess, who led Mohegan Sun’s pitch, said Mohegan Sun could get a Revere casino “up and running” more quickly than its competition, which he said must first clean up a contaminated site.
Mohegan Sun is leasing its Revere location from Suffolk Downs, the venerable thoroughbred track that straddles Revere and the Boston neighborhood of East Boston. Suffolk Downs officials have committed to maintaining the racetrack operation for at least 15 years if Mohegan Sun is granted the casino license.
Gaming commission members asked no questions following the Mohegan Sun presentation.
“Safe to say, that was well done,” commission Chairman Stephen Crosby said.
A packed meeting room at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center erupted in applause at the conclusion of the presentation.