Mohegan Sun has submitted its final application to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for a license to build a destination resort casino on land owned by Suffolk Downs with a total project investment of $1.3 billion.
The 42-acre resort casino project would be developed by Mohegan Sun through a 99-year ground lease with Suffolk Downs. Construction at property located in Revere, Mass., would be completed in about 30 months upon licensing.
"Our application reflects our vision for Massachusetts while addressing the priorities established by the Gaming Commission," said Mitchell Etess, CEO of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority. "Mohegan Sun will create something very special in Revere: a wonderful gaming and entertainment destination that drives tourism and delivers thousands of jobs."
"Gaming development by Mohegan Sun on the Revere portion of our property gives horse racing its best chance to succeed here," Chip Tuttle, chief operating officer of Suffolk Downs, said in a release. "We are committed to racing for years to come should Mohegan Sun earn this license."
On Dec. 31, Mohegan Sun delivered two copies of the application to the Gaming Commission contained in 15 boxes. Each copy of the application is comprised of 16,034 pages of documents.
Mohegan Sun Massachusetts will feature over 170,000 square feet of floor space and 5,000 gaming positions, including 4,000 slot machines, 100 table games such as blackjack, baccarat, roulette and craps, and 20 poker tables. Hotel facilities include a main casino hotel and a boutique hotel that together total 500 rooms and reflect the breadth of the overall resort entertainment experience.
The Shops at Mohegan Sun Massachusetts will include retail, casual and fine dining, and entertainment options created by Boston-based developers New England Development and Finard Properties.
"We know the New England market better than any other gaming operator. It's our home," Etess said. "And we know the team we've assembled with New England Development and Finard will create memorable shopping, dining and entertainment experiences that will complement our gaming and hotel facilities and draw visitors to Revere and this region."
According to a release, Mohegan Sun Massachusetts will produce an estimated $1.64 billion in municipal and state tax revenues in the first five years of operation, and $1 billion in total economic output during project development. The resort casino is also expected to have an annual economic impact of $428.9 million from operational and third-party expenditures, while producing $53 million in annual economic impacts from ancillary, off-resort spending. Improvements to regional transportation infrastructure will total $45 million.
Pre-opening payments to the City of Revere will total up to $33 million, with annual guaranteed minimum community impact payments escalating from $25 million in the first year of operations to $30 million in year seven.
The proposed Mohegan Sun Casino at Suffolk Downs.
Courtesy Suffolk Downs