Kraft, Wynn to Discuss Plans for Resort Casino in Foxborough

Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Vegas casino developer Steve Wynn further discussd their plans for a resort casino in Foxborough Monday.

Kraft hosted Wynn during Sunday's Patriots game at Gillette Stadium. Kraft and Wynn both discussed the proposed project with Foxborough residents and officials Sunday afternoon.

Wynn described the facility he pictures for Foxborough, which would sit on the 200 acres across from Gillette Stadium, the Sun Chronicle reports. Wynn noted that the facility "would be an upscale resort casino that fits in with the town's character and is not necessarily as flashy as his developments in Las Vegas," according to the Sun Chronicle.

Kraft is in negotiations with Wynn to propose a $1 billion casino near Gillette Stadium, which would also include a low-rise hotel, retail, restaurants, and a convention center, the Boston Globe reports. 

Whether or not Wynn has a winning proposal is yet to be known, however, according to the Boston Herald, he hopes to win local approval "in a matter of months." Wynn also faces competition against a Suffolk Downs casino proposal that has the backing of Bay State power brokers Hub Mayor Thomas M. Menino and House Speaker Robert DeLeo.

Casino development in Foxborough has become a for residents overnight, with strong opinions on both sides. Community residents opposed to casino development in town rallied across from the stadium today.

Supporters of the project tout the 10,000-plus jobs that the facility would bring to Foxborough, with Kraft saying that town residents and their children would be first in line for desirable positions.

( Casino Stirs Local Response)

Jeff Cournoyer, spokesman for The Kraft Group, said that they understand there is going to be strong opinions on both sides of the issue.

“We understand that it’s a polarizing issue, and we expect there to be strong opinions on both sides. If we decide to proceed, the process would provide ample opportunity for the residents of Foxborough and surrounding communities to be heard and to learn more about Wynn’s history of creating world-class resorts that fit the character of their communities."

Cournoyer said that the "fact that Wynn Resorts puts a strong emphasis on enhancing their host communities and being good neighbors – as evidenced in each of their locations – is one of the primary reasons why The Kraft Group has invited Mr. Wynn to visit and speak to the town."

"If we weren’t positive about that, we wouldn’t even consider it,” he noted.

A Foxborough proposal would compete for a license designated for Greater Boston under the state's new casino law. The law requires that casinos win the approval of local voters.