Competition fierce for casino license; Wynn a major factor

Frank Quaratiello of the Boston Herald

While Wynn and Suffolk both seem to have strong backing, their battle royale could come down to community support in the end, too.

Wynn’s $1.3 billion proposal has won over the hearts and minds of Everett residents, but Suffolk Downs must still contend with a small but vocal group of casino opponents. To make matters even more challenging, Suffolk Downs and its partner Caesars Entertainment must win votes in both Revere and East Boston.

That puts the Wynn Everett casino plan in the driver’s seat.

For Boston residents, only a Suffolk Downs win would give the Hub a piece of the tax-revenue action. A Wynn victory means a huge boost for Everett.

With Mayor Thomas M. Menino retiring, it will be interesting to see whether the casinos become an issue in the campaign to succeed him.