Take That Las Vegas – Boston To Get Its Own Caesars Palace
With Bay State lawmakers debating casino gambling once again, Suffolk Downs has jumped into a big lead in the scramble for a potential gambling license.
Already backed by New York-based casino developer Richard Fields and some powerful local business players as well, Suffolk announced this morning that it is teaming up with Caesars Entertainment on plans for a $600 gambling and entertainment destination at the East Boston racetrack.
Las Vegas-based Caesars is one of the best-known brands in the gambling world. And on top of that, it is owned by Harrah’s Entertainment the largest casino company in the country.
But while this may look like another big out of town player lining up behind plans to turn Suffolk into a mega gambling resort, there is actually more to this story.
Harrah’s may hail from Vegas, but it’s headed by someone Boston’s business community knows very well – Gary Loveman, a former Harvard business school professor turned gambling mogul.
Loveman has long been interested in developing a casino in his home state – he still owns a home in the western suburbs.
Now, finally, after years of poking around, Loveman may just get a chance – provided balky Bay State lawmakers cooperate.
After coming close last year to passing a gambling bill, legislative leaders on Beacon Hill are poised to make another bid later this spring to legalize casinos.
Under the deal, Fields and his Boston partners, including concessions king Joseph O’Donnell, would develop a casino, while Caesars would be brought on to manage it.
Now I am may be jumping the gun on the Caesars Palace idea - the official word from Suffolk is that no decision has been made on the brand yet. Sure, take your time writing the press release, but I don’t think there is any big mystery here.
Loveman has been hankering to put a Caesars Palace at Suffolk for years - even telling me, back in 2007 when I was at the Herald, that he’d love to put the glitzy brand at Suffolk.
File that under institutional memory.
April 14th, 2011 at 10:02 pm
People need to look at the bigger picture here which includes a facility similar to Ceaser’s Palace offering not only a destination for those who enjoy the casino atmosphere but most likely an entertainment venue for first class performances and more - a gambling mecca usually also has a huge number of hotel rooms, maybe Boston would finally be able to accomodate some of the larger conventions who have to seek other states out instead of Massachusetts. This could be a huge positive all the way around!