The deadline for applying for one of the state's coveted casino licenses is 5 p.m. today, though the titanic struggle already seems to be set for the one up for grabs for eastern Mass. (i.e., Greater Boston). The owners of Suffolk Downs in Eastie, in partnership with Caesars Entertainment, filed their application way back in August (including the nonrefundable $400,000 application fee). Vegas impresario Steve Wynn on Monday filed his own application for a casino-resort on the Mystic River in Everett.
As of this morning, then, it looked like a Suffolk Downs vs. Everett match-up for eastern Mass.' casino license, with Suffolk Downs the favorite as it has the giggly support of Mayor Menino in Boston. Then, however, Chicago mogul Neil Bluhm, who made his money in real estate and who owns casinos in locations as varied as Vicksburg, Miss., and Niagara Falls, submitted an application for a casino in the Hub.
And here's the plot-thickening part: Bluhm didn't say where he'd build one. The state doesn't require it (all we know is that he picked eastern Mass. to compete in) and a spokesman told The Globe on Monday night that Bluhm's firm, Rush Street Gaming, is "pursuing several very good sites" in the Greater Boston region, but has not yet decided on one. He—and the other contenders—have months to lay down specifics about what they'd build and where exactly.
· Chicago Tycoon to Join Hunt for Casino in Mass. [Globe]
· Our complete casinos coverage [Curbed Boston]