BOSTON (AP) — An East Boston horse track has formally entered the running for one of the state’s three casino licenses after filing an application fee and form with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

Suffolk Downs announced Friday that it had submitted a $400,000 non-refundable application fee with the commission to begin the formal process of earning a gaming license.

In June, the race track unveiled plans for a $1 billion Caesars-brand destination resort that includes a hotel, restaurants, retail shops and an entertainment venue, in addition to a casino.

Gov. Deval Patrick has signed a compact with the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe allowing them exclusive rights to develop a resort casino in southeastern Massachusetts. The gaming commission will award casino licenses in two other geographical regions of the state and a slots parlor license.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.