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Massachusetts regulators have released details on their background investigation that led the group proposing a casino at Suffolk Downs to end its partnership with Caesars Entertainment, according to an Associated Press piece.
From The AP:
The state Gaming Commission report Wednesday said its concerns included Caesars' now-ended relationship with a New York hotel company subsidiary, an executive's previous work in online gambling, and Caesars' now-settled dispute with a high-roller over millions in gambling debts. The commission also cited Caesars' nearly $24 billion debt.
"We strongly disagree with the staff recommendation and were prepared to thoroughly address each of the concerns raised by the report," Caesars said Wednesday. "We withdrew our application at the request of and in deference to our partners in the project."
The Commission also cited Caesars Interactive Entertainment’s hiring of Mitchell Garber, who previously headed two online gambling companies, PartyGaming Inc. and Optimal Payments LLC, that forfeited "substantial sums" in an agreement to avoid prosecution by New York federal prosecutors.
Gambling regulators in Massachusetts questioning the suitability of Garber did not contribute to Caesars decision to withdraw a gaming license application in the state, Garber tells Gambling911.com.
"The fact that the Board in Mass. had questions about my career and executive decisions did not play any role in the decision of Caesars to withdraw, and as a result of the withdrawal, I and we never had a chance to hear or answer those questions.," Garber said. "I am licensed in multiple jurisdictions and of course have answered many questions about my career."
- Chris Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher
