Wynn Resorts has paid $35 Million fine to keep Massachusetts license

Wynn Resorts Ltd. has announced paying $35.5 million (€31.8) in fines to Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) to ensure their 671-room Encore Boston Harbor casino resort opens on schedule next month.

Wynn Resorts had until May 31 to decide if they would pay or appeal fines placed on the company for the sexual harassment scandal of former CEO Steve Wynn and company executives concealing it afterwards. However, doing so would have likely delayed the June 23 opening of the new casino, and in the end, the company decided that paying is a right move in this situation.

MGC confirmed receiving the fines in a statement.

“Wynn Resorts has paid $35.5 million in fine payments and accepted the conditions outlined in the written decision. The five-member commission will now ensure compliance with the imposed requirements as they look forward to a successful June 23 opening of Encore Boston Harbor,” reads the statement.

The company, which has spent a reported $2.6 billion to develop the Encore Boston Harbor Casino, also paid the $500,000 fine for current CEO, Matt Maddox, although Wynn’s board of directors took issue with the commission’s finding that Maddox violated company policy.

“The board of directors disagrees with a number of the commission’s comments and conclusions regarding Matt, and believes they are not supported by the evidence. Therefore, we would support his decision to exercise his rights and appeal the fine imposed upon him, and believe he would rightly prevail in his appeal. However, that appeal would delay the final conclusion of this matter, and therefore we appreciate Matt’s decision to forego an appeal in order to allow closure for the company.”