Massachusetts fines Wynn Resorts $35m over misconduct scandal

Wynn Resorts will continue to operate in Massachusetts despite copping financial sanctions from the state regulator.

In a ruling handed down earlier this week, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) fined the casino giant $35 million for failing to report the multiple claims of sexual misconduct made against the company’s founder and former chief executive, Steve Wynn.

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The incumbent CEO, Matthew Maddox, was also hit with a $500,000 penalty for ignoring employee complaints on at least one occasion.

Wynn’s gaming licence was not revoked, however, and the firm will press ahead with plans to launch the Encore Boston Harbor casino and resort in Everett later this year.

“While the company has made great strides in altering that system, this Commission remains concerned by the past failures and deficiencies,” the MGC said in a statement.

“Given our findings, it is now in the interest of the Commonwealth that the gaming licensee move forward in establishing and maintaining a successful gaming establishment in Massachusetts.”

A similar verdict was reached earlier this year by the Nevada Gaming Control Board, which fined Wynn $20m but stopped short of scrapping the company’s casino licence.