Voters In Everett Approve Wynn Casino Deal

Voters in Everett have by an overwhelming margin given the green light to Las Vegas casino mogul Steve Wynn to continue his pursuit of a resort casino on the Mystic River.

A host community agreement between Wynn and the city of Everett was approved Saturday in a binding referendum by a more than 6-1 margin according to the city clerk. The vote was required before Wynn could apply for a casino license from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

Wynn has proposed a $1.2 billion casino at a site where a chemical plant once stood.

The agreement calls for Wynn to make $30 million in advance payments to Everett and more than $25 million in annual payments if the casino is built.

The project could face competition for the sole eastern Massachusetts casino license from proposals in Boston and Milford.