Suffolk Downs Asks Caesars To Withdraw From Casino Bid
BOSTON (CBS) – Suffolk Downs has asked Caesars Entertainment to withdraw from its bid to bring a casino to East Boston.
The decision comes after a background check of Caesars.
"Based on recent information and the briefing we received from the investigative bureau of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, we are confident that Suffolk Downs will be deemed suitable for licensing as we work to earn a gaming license in the Commonwealth," Chip Tuttle, the Chief Operating Officer at Suffolk Downs said in a statement. "As a result of the briefing, we have asked our management partner, Caesars Entertainment, to withdraw as a qualifier from our license application."
Suffolk Downs is planning to develop a $1 billion resort casino at the racetrack. Tuttle told WBZ NewsRadio 1030 that they may try to enlist the help of another gaming management partner. "We haven't ruled anything out, we certainly will look at options," Tuttle said.
It is unclear what was found during the investigation. Tuttle said the commission would be issuing a report at a later date.
As for financing, Suffolk Downs says Caesars was playing more of a management role, and was a minority investor. "We feel as confident as ever that we have the ability to finance, develop and build a world class resort here," Tuttle said.
Residents from East Boston and Revere will vote on the proposed casino on November 5.
Suffolk Downs is competing against proposals in Everett and Milford for the casino license that will be awarded for eastern Massachusetts.
Full Statement from Chip Tuttle, Suffolk Downs Chief Operating Officer:
"Based on recent information and the briefing we received from the investigative bureau of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, we are confident that Suffolk Downs will be deemed suitable for licensing as we work to earn a gaming license in the Commonwealth. As a result of the briefing, we have asked our management partner, Caesars Entertainment, to withdraw as a qualifier from our license application. We will immediately begin a public communications initiative to notify our host communities of this change. We look forward to the next phases of the public process to bring to fruition our proposal to develop a world class destination resort casino on our 161 acre property that will be an economic generator for our two host communities of Boston and Revere."
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