Wynn Resorts will be allowed to remove its founder, Steve Wynn’s name from a license it holds to build a multi-billion dollar casino in Massachusetts. This decision was handed down by the Massachusetts gambling regulator after a request was made by Wynn Resorts. The group wants to limit the damage that could come about from having Wynn’s name on the license, considering that he allegedly subjected multiple woman to unwanted sexual advances.
Wynn Resorts is still waiting to hear if the allegations will impact their suitability to retain the license awarded them in 2014 to build the $2.5 million casino resort.
According to the commission, Steve Wynn is no longer considered a ‘qualifier’ on the license as it was proven that he will not exercise his voting rights in next week’s shareholders’ meeting.
A lawyer at Nixon Peabody, representing Steve Wynn said: “We are pleased with the Gaming Commission’s decision and look forward to having nothing to do with this matter.”
Wynn Resorts said that it was also pleased with the ruling. “We look forward to move Encore Boston Harbor forward,” said the group in a statement issued.
Earlier this year, Steve Wynn resigned as the chief executive of Wynn Resorts after an article in the Wall Street Journal exposed an alleged controversial pattern of sexual misconduct by the founder of the group. Women interviewed in the article claimed that Wynn made their working space almost impossible to be in, with the former chief executive allegedly pressuring them to perform sex acts.
To protect the company and its interests, Steve Wynn divested himself from this 11.8% stake, allowing lawyers to therefore argue that he should not be considered a ‘qualifier’ in casino licenses. The new Massachusetts casino will not feature the name Wynn, and will instead be called the Encore Boston Harbor.
Wynn has continuously argued that that charges brought against him are unfounded and “preposterous.”
