Boston Will Not Become a ‘Host Community’ for Neighboring Casino Projects

BOSTON (Associated Press) — Boston Mayor Martin Walsh has lost a bid to give city residents a chance to vote on casinos proposed for neighboring Everett and Revere.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission agreed in principle Thursday that Boston should not be designated a "host community" for either of the casino projects, which are vying to win the sole gambling license in the state's eastern region.

The status would have mandated voter referendums from neighborhoods impacted by Mohegan Sun's proposal for Revere and Wynn's proposal for Everett.

The decisions are expected to be finalized in writing as soon as next week. They came after the commission heard nearly three hours of arguments from the Walsh administration, casino officials and anti-casino advocates.

It also came after commission chairman Stephen Crosby, bowing to critics, recused himself from the eastern casino licensing process.