Mass. gaming panel to hear Boston-Everett dispute

BOSTON (AP) — The state Gaming Commission is about to wade into a casino dispute between Boston and the smaller neighboring city of Everett.

At issue is whether Las Vegas casino developer Steve Wynn must reach a host community agreement with Boston before he can seek a license from the commission, which plans to discuss the matter at its meeting on Wednesday.

Wynn has proposed a resort casino complex on a site along the Mystic River in Everett. But Boston officials suggest that a small portion of the site is actually located in their city — thus qualifying Boston as a second host community.

Everett officials fear that Mayor Thomas Menino could simply refuse to negotiate with Wynn because the mayor backs a competing casino proposal at Suffolk Downs in East Boston.