Suffolk Downs announces new partnership with Mohegan Sun

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Suffolk Downs announced a big step in moving forward with plans to bring a casino to Revere Wednesday.

After initial reports about Mohegan Sun being the race track's leading contender in the bid, Suffolk Downs announced the company would be its development partner and gaming operator.

Suffolk Downs plans to build a casino on 42 of the track's 52 acres in Revere. The track is a 160-acre property, 108 of which is in East Boston. The rest is in Revere. Since the property is split between the two cities, voters from both weighed in on election day. East Boston rejected the casino referendum, while Revere passed it.

Since the Nov. 5 referendum vote, Suffolk Downs has explored whether moving the casino to the Revere side is an option. The previous potential partner, Caesar's Entertainment, dropped out.

Mohegan Sun looked to Revere after their casino proposal in Palmer was voted down.

The state gaming commission still needs to decide if the Nov. 5 vote is enough of an endorsement for a Revere-only Suffolk Downs. If Suffolk Downs goes forward, it would be competing against a Wynn Resorts proposal on the Mystic River in Everett.

Mohegan Sun says it will honor all commitments made by Suffolk Downs in its original Host Community Agreement with Revere. The agreement is being amended to reflect the creation of a new proposal.

Cox Media Group