Wynn looking for Krafty deal; Kahnawake hoping third time lucky with casino

Robert Kraft

Robert KraftVegas casino magnate Steve Wynn has his eyes on the land the Patriots built for his next project. According to the Boston Globe, New England owner Robert Kraft is in talks with Wynn over proposals to bring a $1billion casino to land near Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA. Located 200 acres from the stadium, the casino would be part of a larger complex incorporating a hotel, retail space, and a number of other large-scale entertainment venues.

Kraft Group spokesman Jeff Cournoyer said: “We believe that Wynn Resorts is best in class in the resort destination industry, and we’ve invited Steve Wynn to visit Foxborough to meet with residents and decide if there is mutual interest in exploring a resort destination here.”

The project will be one of the three large-scale casino business locations allowed under new Massachusetts gaming regulations. It’s by no means a certainty that this will be constructed but the region including Foxboro’ is one of those that could host a casino and the potential in this area would be huge with around 8,000 permanent jobs being created.

Kahnawake is hoping it’ll be third time lucky as they unveiled their latest land-based casino plan. The casino would boast around 1,000 slots, 35 tables and a restaurant alongside the offer of free alcoholic beverages for anyone that gambles. A report commissioned by the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake estimates that it could generate CAD$78million in gross earnings during the first 12 months of operation due to its siting on a major east-west route through the city.

Unlike the last two proposals, this one will let community members share in the profits of the venture and it’s thought this could sway opinion. If approved, the casino will be fully operational by 2015 and has a potential “garner population” of nearly four million people. By 2019 net revenues would be at $171m with gross earnings expected to hit $90m. If the population still isn’t convinced, more free alcoholic beverages is sure to do the trick.