Revere Voters Okay Racetrack Casino Plan

REVERE, MA-For the second time, voters here have given their approval to Mohegan Sun's plans to build a resort casino at Suffolk Downs racetrack. The gaming company's original proposal—which would have straddled land in both Revere and neighboring East Boston—got the nod from Revere residents this past November, but East Boston voters shot it down.

"Second chances are a great thing," Chip Tuttle, COO of Suffolk Downs, told supports after Tuesday's vote, which was approved by 63.2% of voters, according to published reports. Added Revere Mayor Dan Rizzo, "We needed a yes vote and Revere delivered."

The Mohegan Sun/Suffolk Downs plan is not the only game in town with regard to a casino licensee for the eastern part of Massachusetts. A competing proposal by Wynn Resorts was approved by nearly 90% of voters on a referendum in Everett, and the Massachusetts Gaming Commission will decide between the two plans for the sole license to be awarded in that part of the state.

Proponents of both plans sought to one-up the competition. ""There's no comparing Everett's near-90% margin of victory to tonight's vote in Revere, just as there's no comparison to Wynn's five-star brand, international drawing power or financial strength in the industry," Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria said in a statement Tuesday. "Wynn's transformative impact and unmatched economic development opportunity for Everett and Massachusetts is without parallel in the region."

In Revere, Mitchell Etess, chief executive of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, told reporters, "More people voted yes for this casino tonight than voted in the entire election in Everett, is my understanding. I'm sure the gaming commission wants to make sure there is good support. I think the margin shows there is huge support here in Revere." The gaming commission is expected to make a final decision in May or June.