WHO:                   Members of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission including Chair Cathy Judd-Stein and Commissioners Gayle Cameron, Eileen O’Brien, Bruce Stebbins, and Enrique Zuniga 

WHAT:                The Massachusetts Gaming Commission will hold public meeting #316 on Thursday, August 27, 2020.

After an approval of minutes, Chair Judd-Stein will provide a statement regarding MGC regulatory oversight and Encore Boston Harbor.

Interim Executive Director Karen Wells will provide an administrative update on the following:

• Hiring Announcement
• Casino Reopening Update
• MGC Office Reopening Working Group Update

Director of Racing Dr. Alex Lightbown will provide an update related to horse racing, and will ask that the Commission vote on the following:

• Horse Racing Committee Split – VOTE
• Plainridge Park Request for Premium Free Period – VOTE
• Plainridge Park Request to Utilize Handheld Wagering Devices (“Walk Abouts”) on Kentucky Derby Day – VOTE

Interim General Counsel Grossman will ask that the Commission vote on the following:

• 205 CMR 134.03: Gaming Service Employees – Amendment currently adopted by emergency, allowing a gaming licensee to temporarily allow an individual(s) to assist with gaming establishment employee training and related purposes without having to become licensed or registered, from the date operations are recommenced after any period of suspension – and Amended Small Business Impact Statement. – VOTE to finalize the promulgation process
• 205 CMR 138.72: Policies and Procedures for Ensuring a Workplace Free from Unlawful Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation. Requiring a system of internal controls for a licensee that includes policies and procedures to ensure a workplace free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation – and Amended Small Business Impact Statement. – VOTE to finalize the promulgation process
• CMR 149.04: Race Horse Development Fund: Distributions; Escrow Accounts. Amendment currently adopted by emergency, allowing the Horse Race Committee and the Commission flexibility to set the distribution percentage of monies from the Race Horse Development Fund in a manner to ensure more precise distribution of funds – and Amended Small Business Impact Statement. – VOTE to finalize the promulgation process

Chief Enforcement Counsel and Deputy Director Loretta Lillios will request that the Commission vote on a qualifier related to Encore Boston Harbor.

Director Wells will then provide an update on compliance items, followed by an update from Chair Judd-Stein and Commissioner Zuniga on the MGC’s Executive Director Search.

The Commission will then enter Executive Session, pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 30A Section 21(a)(3). The public session of the Commission meeting will not reconvene at its conclusion.

For a complete list of agenda items and anticipated votes, view the official Meeting Notification and Agenda.

PLEASE NOTE: Given the unprecedented circumstances resulting from the global Coronavirus pandemic, Governor Charles Baker issued an order to provide limited relief from certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law to protect the health and safety of individuals interested in attending public meetings. In keeping with the guidance provided, the Commission will conduct a public meeting utilizing remote collaboration technology. If there is any technical problem with our remote connection, an alternative conference line will be noticed immediately on our website: MassGaming.com.

Community members are also invited to follow along with live meeting updates by connecting with the Commission on Twitter, @MassGamingComm.

WHERE:            Conference Call Number: 1-646-741-5292, Meeting ID: 112 715 4330

WHEN:               Thursday, August 27, 2020, at 10:00 a.m.