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Massachusetts Gaming Commission hears evidence supporting suitability of Penn Entertainment qualifier Anuja
Summary
At a Nov. 10 adjudicatory hearing, the IEB presented an investigation recommending a positive suitability determination for Anuja, a qualifier to Penn Entertainment's Plainridge Park Casino; counsel for Penn and the applicant urged the commission to find the applicant suitable, and commissioners reserved final decision for private deliberation.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission held an adjudicatory hearing on Nov. 10, 2025, to consider whether Anuja, an individual qualifier to Penn Entertainment for Plainridge Park Casino, meets statutory suitability standards. The Independent Enforcement Bureau (IEB) presented its investigation and recommended a positive determination, while counsel for Penn Entertainment urged the commission to accept that recommendation; the commission said it would deliberate in private and issue a written decision later.
Chair Jordan Maynard opened the recorded hearing and said the commission’s review would follow the standards and procedures in 205 CMR 101.01, 801 CMR 1.02, chapter 3A and chapter 23K sections 12 and 16, and 205 CMR 115.01. Nathaniel Kennedy, counsel for the IEB, introduced the investigation team and led the bureau’s presentation of exhibits and findings. The IEB entered two exhibits without objection: the notice of hearing (Oct. 10, 2025) and the IEB investigation report (Oct. 9, 2025).
Kennedy summarized the IEB’s background review, saying investigators had verified the applicant’s identity, reviewed financial records, searched criminal and litigation history, checked for prohibited political contributions in Massachusetts, and examined open-source and law-enforcement databases. "We recommend that the commission issue a positive determination of suitability," Kennedy said, citing a lack of derogatory information in the investigation and noting the applicant’s cooperation during the review.
Christopher Soraniano, counsel for Penn Entertainment, told commissioners that the record supports a finding that the applicant "meets the standards of suitability by clear and convincing evidence" and asked the commission to rule in the applicant’s favor. Soraniano described the applicant’s service on Penn’s board since 2024, including participation on a compliance committee, and characterized that service as evidence of familiarity with compliance obligations.
The applicant, identified in the hearing as Anuja, addressed the commission and thanked the IEB for what the applicant called a "thoughtful and thorough" investigation. The applicant said they "look forward to working with the commission to make sure . . . Penn Entertainment operates at the highest levels of integrity and compliance."
Commissioners asked a limited number of follow-up questions; Commissioner Paul Broer noted a minor file detail and asked whether Penn board members use company-specific email addresses. Soraniano said board members typically do not and confirmed the applicant uses a separate board email for Penn-related matters.
No formal vote or final determination was announced at the hearing. Chair Maynard said the commission would meet in private later that afternoon to deliberate and issue a written decision as soon as possible. The public portion of the proceeding then concluded and the commission adjourned to its next scheduled adjudicatory matter.
The commission’s written decision — including whether it adopts the IEB recommendation and any conditions or restrictions — will be issued after private deliberation.
