A Massachusetts judge has ruled that fraud and unfair trade practices claims against Wynn Resorts regarding a $40 million discount on land for the Encore Boston Harbor casino will proceed to trial. Suffolk Superior Court Judge Kenneth W. Salinger’s Thursday decision sets the stage for a 2025 bench trial involving allegations from FBT Everett Realty, the original landowner.
Disputed Land Sale Discount
FBT Everett Realty accuses Wynn Resorts of leveraging regulatory concerns from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) to pressure it into reducing the sale price of a 33-acre parcel from $75 million to $35 million. Wynn allegedly cited MGC concerns about a “casino premium” tied to the land due to its links to Charles Lightbody, a convicted felon with Mafia ties.
FBT claims Wynn falsely represented that the commission would deny its casino license unless the price was reduced. Judge Salinger found enough evidence to support FBT’s allegations that Wynn exaggerated regulatory threats to secure the discount.
Key Evidence and Testimony
In a deposition, FBT manager Dustin DeNunzio recounted a heated meeting where Wynn’s then-general counsel, Kim Sinatra, allegedly issued a stark ultimatum:
