Massachusetts Gaming Commission hears suitability case for Nelly Anaya; IEB recommends positive finding

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission held an adjudicatory hearing April 27, 2026, to consider whether Nelly Anaya meets statutory suitability standards to serve as an individual qualifier for MGM Resorts International’s Massachusetts licensee, Blue Tarp Redevelopment LLC (MGM Springfield). Chair Jordan Maynard presided, and the full commission — Commissioners Eileen O’Brien, Brad Hill, Nakisha Skinner and Paul Brodeur — attended.

Nathaniel Kennedy, appearing for the Investigations & Enforcement Bureau (IEB), presented the bureau’s investigation and recommendation. "The IEB therefore recommends the commission issue a positive determination of suitability," Kennedy said, summarizing an inquiry that he described as verifying identity, confirming financial stability and integrity, reviewing litigation and criminal-history records, checking for prohibited political contributions in Massachusetts, and searching open-source and law-enforcement databases.

The IEB told the commission its review did not uncover derogatory information that would indicate Ms. Anaya lacks the requisite financial stability, integrity or background under the criteria set out in General Law Chapter 23K, Sections 12 and 16, and 205 CMR 115.01. Kennedy asked the commission to rely upon the IEB’s investigation report, submitted as an admitted exhibit dated April 2, 2026.

Jed Nozel, counsel for Ms. Anaya and MGM Resorts International, declined to make an opening statement but later thanked the commission for its time and described the IEB report as representing "clear and convincing evidence of Ms. Anaya's suitability." Ms. Anaya, present and sworn for testimony, answered commissioners’ questions and provided background about her licensing and career.

Ms. Anaya told the commission she is the vice president of internal audit for MGM Resorts International and that she oversees regional audit teams. She said she began with MGM as an intern and advanced through the company’s internal audit ranks to her current role in August 2022. When asked to clarify whether she holds gaming licenses outside Massachusetts, Ms. Anaya said she is licensed for MGM properties in Ohio, Maryland, Michigan and Mississippi and confirmed she is "fully licensed in all of those states."

Commissioner Paul Brodeur praised Ms. Anaya’s professional trajectory and asked about her mentorship work; Ms. Anaya said she is involved with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and internal business-resource groups at MGM and described mentorship as a professional priority.

No formal vote or final suitability determination was made at the hearing. Chair Maynard said the commission would deliberate privately later that day and issue a written decision as soon as practicable. The proceeding was then adjourned.

What the commission considered

The hearing record reflects that the commission’s inquiry was limited to the matters set forth in the notice of hearing and the IEB investigation report. The legal standards the commission cited include General Law Chapter 23K (Sections 12 and 16), 205 CMR 115.01, 801 CMR 1.02 and Chapter 30A of the General Laws; the chair also noted the commission’s authority under 205 CMR 101.01(7) to close portions of the proceeding when privacy or competitive concerns warrant.

Next steps

The commission’s deliberations are private; a written decision will be issued following that deliberation. The record in this proceeding includes the April 2, 2026 IEB investigation report and the April 6, 2026 notice of hearing, which were both admitted into evidence.