Hearing Called For Steve Wynn Removal From MA Casino License

EVERETT, MA – Steve Wynn will remain a part of Wynn Resorts' Massachusetts casino license – for now. Gaming officials met Thursday to consider the company's request to remove its namesake as an "individual qualifier" for the license.

The commission decided to schedule a public hearing as soon as possible to formally consider the request, which could be in about three weeks. Wynn Resorts has argued that Steve Wynn should be removed since he has resigned as chairman and CEO of the company and sold his shares amid sexual misconduct allegations.

"With the resignation of Steve Wynn as Chairman and CEO and the completed sale of his shares in Wynn Resorts, it is appropriate to have him removed as a qualifier for Wynn MA in Massachusetts," a Wynn spokesperson said in an emailed statement earlier this week. "Steve Wynn is fully separated from the Company and completely removed from all ownership, strategic and operational functions."

The gaming commission began a review into the accusations, which Wynn has denied, earlier this year and will determine whether the company should hold a casino license in Massachusetts. At the center of the investigation is Steve Wynn's suitability and that of the company he founded. Qualifiers must pass a state background check in order to be deemed "suitable" to hold a license, according to the Boston Globe.

The $2.4 billion resort and casino remains under construction and is on track for a June 2019 opening.

Image via Vincent Yu/Associated Press