Slots Casino Group Takes on Partner

By Sue Ellen Woodcock

Now that the city is going forward with a special election on Oct. 18 both sides have begun their arguments for and against a proposed slot parlor casino at the site of Lee’s Trailer Park on Revere Beach Parkway.

City and state-level officials are expected to hold a press conference today (Wednesday) at 1 p.m. in front of city hall to voice opposition to the proposal. Expected to attend the press conference is Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo, State Rep. RoseLee Vincent and State Sen. Joe Boncore.

In a statement, Mayor Brian Arrigo said “the fly-by-night proposal to build a slot parlor would not be beneficial to the city, and could undermine the progress Revere has made toward reinventing its image.”

Eugene McCain and his associates who are seeking a possible gaming licenses if Question 1 is approved in November,  have partnered with a Las Vegas company to manage everything of a slots casino.

Navegante, a gaming and hospitality company, based outside of Las Vegas will be having one of its leaders working in Revere. Gary Armentout, who has over 35 year of experience in the casino/hospitality industry has worked on casinos outside of Toronto and with Foxwoods. He also worked on Harvey’s Resorts, Vanguard Gaming and several riverboat casinos along the Mississippi River.

He was also the corporate attorney for Harrah’s and has practice gaming law.

“I’m impressed with the group,” Armentout said, who’s worked on gaming development and gaming management. He has been a consultant and worked with both Native American and private casinos. “Once the license is in place I’ll be there for input and advice.”

Armentout noted that he has worked in other communities that have voiced opposition to casinos. He will work with the architects and developers. In his time he has built 10 difference casino/hotels.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Revere,” Armentout said. “This will be a first-class facility that will provide about 450 jobs with benefits. There will be construction jobs too and vendors in the area will also increase the number of jobs. The state will receive $80 million, the city will bring in $5 million in tax revenue and the Horse Racing Development Fund will receive $12-$15 million in support. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

“The Navegante team is excited to be the proposed gaming partner, and to join Gene McCain and his team in Massachusetts. The passion that he has shown for bringing a world-class hotel and limited gaming facility to Revere is second-to-none. The initial renderings and plans leave no doubt in our mind that the facility will be exceptional in every way. I know that the people of Massachusetts are excited about the project, and excited about the possibility of adding thousands of new jobs and tens of millions of new revenue dollars to the State’s budget.”