Foxboro Casino

Foxboro Casino Plan Abandoned After Local Elections Show Major Opposition

Published May 9, 2012

Casino developer Steve Wynn yesterday "abandoned plans" to build a Foxboro gambling resort on land near Gillette Stadium owned by Patriots Owner Robert Kraft, according to Mark Arsenault of the BOSTON GLOBE. The decision "reshuffles the competition for the sole Greater Boston casino license by eliminating a top-tier competitor." Wynn’s "retreat -- which leaves Suffolk Downs the leading contender in the Greater Boston region -- was announced a day after anticasino candidates swept" the Foxboro selectman race. That vote "marked the first ballot-box defeat for a would-be casino developer in Massachusetts." The vote also "underscores the difficulties in locating a casino resort within the most populous region." Wynn’s reps "declined to say whether he has any future plans for Massachusetts." The "hostile reaction from local townspeople and some local officials seemed to puzzle Wynn" (BOSTON GLOBE, 5/9). Foxboro Selectman Lorraine Brue said that the Kraft and Wynn announcements "appear to be the end of their attempt to build a casino in Foxboro but that the wording of the jointly released statements leaves wiggle room." She added that residents "would be more certain the casino fight is over if the Kraft Group sends a definitive statement to selectmen" (FOXBORO REPORTER, 5/9).