Everett, Mass. - Voters in Everett have by an overwhelming margin given the green light to Las Vegas casino mogul Steve Wynn to continue his pursuit of a resort casino on the Mystic River.

A host community agreement between Wynn and the city of Everett was approved Saturday in a binding referendum by a more than 6-1 margin, according to the city clerk. The vote was required before Wynn could apply for a casino license from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

Wynn has proposed a $1.2 billion casino at a site where a chemical plant once stood.

The agreement calls for Wynn to make $30 million in advance payments to Everett plus more than $25 million annually if the casino is built.

The project could face competition for the sole eastern Massachusetts casino license from proposals in Boston and Milford.