The Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s agenda for Thursday’s meeting at first looked pretty typical: a construction update by one of the state’s casino licensees, a review of some flow charts, and a PowerPoint-style presentation on hiring plans for a gambling resort — all important topics, if a little dry.
But there was an elephant in the room: the commission’s ongoing investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against former Wynn Resorts chief executive Steve Wynn, and whether the company building a $2.4 billion gambling palace in Everett is suitable to run a casino in Massachusetts.
The commission’s chairman, Stephen Crosby, addressed the tension in conducting ordinary business while such a high-stakes investigation hangs in the balance.
“I have said repeatedly that for now we must proceed with the Everett project as planned and be thoughtfully mindful of the thousands of people whose jobs may be affected by this issue and of the long-term economic benefits envisioned by this project,’’ Crosby said at the start of the meeting. “But as a practical matter . . . Wynn Resorts proceeds with this project on an at-risk basis.’’
In other words, don’t assume how the investigation may turn out by how the commission handles its regular business. The commission’s staff hopes to complete the investigation into the company’s handling of the accusations against Steve Wynn by summer.
The commission’s enforcement arm launched its investigation after The Wall Street Journal in January reported that dozens of people who have worked for Wynn Resorts “told of behavior that cumulatively would amount to a decades-long pattern of sexual misconduct by Mr. Wynn,’’ including acts of exposing himself and pressuring employees for sex.
The story stated that in 2005, Wynn forced a manicurist at his Las Vegas casino into sex and later paid her a $7.5 million settlement. Steve Wynn has denied wrongdoing, saying, “The idea that I ever assaulted any woman is preposterous.’’
The Journal this week reported allegations that company managers “enabled’’ Steve Wynn’s conduct.
Wynn resigned from the company in February and recently sold his stock in Wynn Resorts.
The Everett casino has been named Wynn Boston Harbor. Robert DeSalvio, president of the Everett resort, told reporters the company is “absolutely considering a rebranding of the project’’ with a new name.
Mark Arsenault can be reached at mark.arsenault@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @bostonglobemark.
