Game regulators in Massachusetts want to increase the popularity of gaming in the state. On Wednesday, they announced that the referendum from 2013 would be held again.

The referendum that will possibly allow the expansion of the gaming industry:

A referendum will take place in Everett, and the regulators hope that will allow them to legalize gaming in more casinos than it’s currently the case. Right now, the only place where gaming is permitted is Encore Boston Harbor, but they are willing to take it to another level by spreading it on at least one more property. 

They set their sights on the property across the street, which will open the door to other properties and the expansion of other casinos if the referendum proves successful.

Wynn Resorts, the parent company of the famous Encore, has already made plans for its new property. It is supposed to be situated across Broadway. The building would contain a second sports betting parlor, a poker room, a nightclub, a theater, as well as a parking garage to keep the customers’ cars safe. The casino won’t be separated from the one that was opened in 2019, and it is predicted by the plans to build a pedestrian bridge to connect these two casinos.

However, one question remained: did the voters in the previous referendum say yes only to the casino in Everett, or do they want more casinos to be built? Wynn hopes the second option is the right one. The company hopes that voters will approve the casino building before securing a license. 

Whatever answer the company gets, the casino will be built. The casino will only offer sports betting and poker services if the voters say no in the referendum. 

Poker and sports betting – innovations in the new casino:

The previous version of the Wynn casino didn’t include poker and sports betting. The Gaming Commission claimed that this wasn’t their responsibility since neither of these services is under the Commission’s jurisdiction. 

Sports betting was legalized in the state last summer. That was an important step for Wynn, and they decided to include it in their offering, which is why they need a completely new building. However, for that to be done, it has to become a part of the gaming establishment officially and must be regulated by the Commission. After the decision, the company awaits the Gaming Commission and other authorities to decide.

The question that had been asked in the previous referendum was: “Shall the City of Everett permit the operation of a gaming establishment licensed by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to be located at the property located on Horizon Way (off ‘Lower Broadway’) in Everett, formerly known as the Monsanto Chemical Site?”

Now, the state will include the full description of the expected location, but the expansion of gaming establishments can be excluded.