Massachusetts Gaming Commission Elects New Interim Chair as Wynn Investigation Nears End

Posted on: September 29, 2018, 12:00h. 

Last updated on: September 29, 2018, 10:53h.

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The twisting saga surrounding the high-profile Wynn investigation took another turn this week, as the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) selected a new interim leader to replace the one who abruptly quit this week.

The three members of the regulatory panel have chosen Gayle Cameron to step into the role of chairperson. She’s been a commissioner with the MGC since 2012 and formerly served as the superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.

“She represents continuity,” Richard McGowan, a gaming expert at Boston College, told the Boston Herald. “She hasn’t been in any controversy, and right now what the commission needs is stability. She’s a nice, safe pick.”

Cameron takes over for outgoing chairman Stephen Crosby, who surprisingly stepped down from the role on Wednesday after being accused of being prejudiced in the Wynn investigation by both Moehegan Sun and Wynn Resorts.

Crosby denies holding any bias, but in outlining his decision to resign, said that he “cannot let my involvement … be used by others to hamper the (MGC’s) ability to do its work.”

Regulators are charged with the task of determining how much knowledge Wynn resorts had regarding allegations of employee harassment at the hands of ex-CEO Steve Wynn.

Meet the New Boss

That burden now falls on the lap of Cameron, who’s served on the commission since its inception, at least for now. She’ll act as the interim chair until the MGC can fill the position permanently.

“I think her background in the State Police has obviously made her a pretty good taskmaster,” Commissioner Bruce Stebbins said in support of the appointment, according to Mass Live.

Cameron was a former “undercover operative” with the New Jersey State Police before rising to the second-highest ranking position of superintendent. She also audited casino license applications in Atlantic City.

“I don’t know if it’s appropriate to thank you,” Cameron told her colleagues Thursday. “I’m grateful for your confidence, and if this is what you want, I’m happy to step in in an interim role and keep it rolling.”

Governor Charlie Baker is tasked with the responsibility of finding a long-term chairperson, but he says there is no timeline in place to fill the position.

The End is Near

Cameron steps in at a crucial time for the commission, which launched its investigation in the wake of a Wall Street Journal expose accusing Steve Wynn of sexually abusing many of his female employees.

The MGC is in the final stages of its eight-month inquiry, which will ultimately decide whether or not to pull Wynn Resorts’ casino license in Massachusetts.

Wynn officials have completed their own internal investigation into the claims but have not made the results public. For his part, the former CEO Steve Wynn has denied all allegations against him.

The MGC’s decision could ultimately have major effect on the future of Wynn’s Encore Boston Harbor, as well as plans to open a new waterfront resort in Everett next year.