“Seven years ago, I was standing on this site, with the mayor, just us two, and there wasn’t a blade of grass on the site,” he said. “Eight years ago, the people of Massachusetts and the lawmakers had the foresight to understand that with the passage of the gaming regulation, that there could be the opportunity for urban renewal, for economic development and for the finest integrated resort in the world,” he said.Ī vision, Maddox said, that he believes the Wynn Resorts casino has achieved. Wynn Resorts CEO Matt Maddox echoed the sentiment that it was “an amazing day.” This is my day to be here at the casino.”

“I woke up crying this morning,” Gray said. The company behind the project, Wynn Resorts, faced several hurdles before the casino was allowed to open, including hearings about whether it was suitable to hold a license following allegations that company executives covered up allegations of misconduct against founder Steve Wynn.īut for visitors like Terrese Gray, of Cambridge, that anticipation was about something else. That anticipation was reflected by people waiting outside the $2.6 billion casino for hours ahead of its opening. After years of anticipation - and some turmoil - Encore Boston Harbor Casino opened in Everett Sunday.