The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is continuing its investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against Steve Wynn, despite the casino mogul’s resignation from the company bearing his name. In the meantime, the future of the Wynn casino currently being built in Everett remains in question.
The controversy began after the Wall Street Journal reported allegations by a number of employees, including a manicurist who Wynn paid a $7.5 million settlement. Massachusetts Gaming Commission investigators have confirmed that settlement happened.
Steve Wynn continues to deny allegations against him, but resigned Tuesday.
“In the last couple of weeks, I have found myself the focus of an avalanche of negative publicity,” Wynn said in a written statement. “As I have reflected upon the environment this has created — one in which a rush to judgment takes precedence over everything else, including the facts — I have reached the conclusion I cannot continue to be effective in my current roles.”
Gaming Commission Chair Steve Crosby, who joined Wednesday’s meeting by phone, asked the Commission’s Executive Director, Ed Bedrosian, about the new CEO and chair of the board at the Wynn company.
“Do we know whether either or both of those people had any knowledge of the events of the $7.5 million settlement?” Crosby asked.
“I cannot answer that at this time, Mr. Chairman,” Bedrosian replied. “That would certainly seem to be part of the ongoing investigation.”
Crosby went on to call that a “central question” of their investigation. “That’s a critical point for us and for the public of Massachusetts to know, ASAP,” he said.
The investigation is also looking into what Wynn’s continued role in the company is, including stock ownership and any other control he may have.
"We’ll have to find out exactly what the resignation actually means,” Bedrosian said to reporters during a break in the Commission's meeting. The investigation will also look into what impact the controversy has had on the brand and financial strength of the company.
The Wynn Boston Harbor resort casino is set to open in 2019.
