GAMING COMMISSION

The Governor, Attorney General and State Treasurer will appoint a new, independent five-member gaming commission in the next 120 days that will oversee and regulate all aspects of these businesses, including processing applications, evaluating proposals and awarding licenses.

LOCAL MITIGATION AGREEMENTS

Before Suffolk Downs (or any applicant) can apply to the gaming commission for a license, we must reach local mitigation agreements with our host communities of Revere and Boston, and surrounding communities, such as Winthrop and Chelsea.

LOCAL BALLOT QUESTIONS

After reaching these local agreements and as part of a formal license application, the host communities of the proposed licensee – in our case Revere and East Boston – must pass local ballot questions approving gaming development in those communities. This is a city-wide referendum in Revere and an East Boston referendum in Boston unless the City Council and the Mayor choose to make it city-wide.

HORSE RACING

We have been in the horse racing business since our historic facility opened in 1935 and Suffolk Downs is committed to preserving and enhancing horse racing as part of our proposed development. The new law requires that we maintain racing if we receive a casino license, a provision that we welcomed. It also dedicates a small portion of gaming revenue for programs to attract better horses to the area. In addition, we plan to invest in our racing facilities.

TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS

Should we be fortunate enough to earn a license, it would be issued to Suffolk Downs. This means that throughout the licensing process, for local mitigation, construction, road and infrastructure improvements, ongoing neighborhood programs, charitable initiatives and other issues that may arise during the duration of the license, you will be working with Suffolk Downs, your neighbor of 76 years.

LOCAL BUSINESSES AND JOBS

The new law requires Suffolk Downs (or any applicant) to develop specific plans to train and hire local workers and contract with area vendors for goods and services. Should we be fortunate enough to earn a license, we would hire thousands of new workers and spend tens of millions of additional dollars contracting with local businesses.

ETHICS AND INTEGRITY

This new law holds applicants to high ethical standards of conduct and review. The owners, management and employees of Suffolk Downs are committed to adhering to these strict standards.

TIMING

The gaming commission must be formed within 120 days of the signing of the legislation. Once appointed, the commission will hire management and staff, get organized and begin the license application process. It may be several months before that happens. Licenses may not be awarded until the fourth quarter of next year. In the interim, we will be preparing our proposal and working with you to ensure it meets the needs of the community.