Gambler travelers, you'll want to follow this story: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has awarded the sole greater Boston casino license to Wynn Resorts, which has proposed a new casino and entertainment complex in Everett on the banks of the Mystic River. The vote favored Wynn over Mohegan Sun, which had planned to build a gaming complex on the existing Suffolk Downs race course in Revere.

The Boston Globe reports the commission voted three to one for Wynn's $1.6 billion proposal, which, in an ironic turn, means Suffolk Downs (which lobbied heavily to increase gaming in Massachusetts) will most likely have to close.

Mohegan Sun had planned to incorporate the existing track into the scope of its casino, resort, and entertainment venues, but with only one license in the area, there can only be one greater Boston gaming facility.

And for an extra layer of drama, for a few weeks everything rested on the November's voter referendum, in which Massachusetts voters decided not to repeal the commonwealth's 2011 law legalizing casinos. (But it was close.)

According to BostInno, now that the referendum has failed, it's expected that Wynn will start construction almost immediately. When all is done, the Boston Wynn property will feature 500 hotel rooms, eight restaurants, 94,000 square feet of retail space, 3,000 slot machines, a spa, and 150 table games.

Additionally, Wynn will pay the city of Boston a maximum of $20 million over 10 years to assist with expected traffic issues at Sullivan Square, a key thoroughfare that connects Boston to Everett. As one who worked in this area for more than seven years, I can attest that the traffic around the Sullivan Square rotary is already horrible – it's going to be a major challenge to address the 6 million additional cars expected to come through annually once the casino is up and running.

Mayor Marty Walsh is already going to bat to mitigate the traffic concerns, and there are some initial plans in Wynn's proposal to offer significant investment to encourage casino visitors and employees to use public transportation, including administering shuttles from nearby T and commuter rail stations and water shuttle transit. Plans are also included for "enhanced pedestrian and bicycle access", including dedicated spaces for car sharing and an on-site Hubway location.

Will it be enough? I'm curious to see additional plans as they develop -- and I'll be sure to keep you in the loop.

What do you think of the upcoming plans for Wynn's new casino complex in Everett? Are you upset that Suffolk Downs will most likely be closing its doors after 79 years in business? Share your thoughts by sending me an email!