Wynn suffers setback in Massachusetts casino debate

30 December 2011

By Chris Sieroty

FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts -- A proposal to build a Wynn Resorts Ltd. casino adjacent to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., is facing an uncertain future after the town's selectmen voted to send a letter to state officials saying they don't want a casino.

Wynn Resorts has proposed building a $1 billion casino on land the company would lease from New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. The Boston Herald reported the nonbinding 3-2 vote late Tuesday doesn't kill the casino proposal, but the two companies would have to request a townwide vote.

Wynn Resorts would also have to ask two-thirds of residents to overturn current zoning laws that prohibit casinos in Foxborough. Wynn Resorts founder Steve Wynn is scheduled to present his plan to town executives and residents on Jan. 10.

Local physician David Egilman predicted a casino would be "good for my business" because it would lead to an influx of patients with STDs, gambling addiction and alcoholism, according to the Herald.