Massachusetts gaming regulators have deferred until next week a decision on whether the partnership between Mohegan Sun and Suffolk Downs can propose a resort casino in Revere, Mass.

The "core issue" the Massachusetts Gaming Commission must decide is whether Revere voters' Nov. 5 approval of a previous Suffolk Downs project can apply to the new plan. Another referendum could not be held in time for the partnership to meet a Dec. 31 deadline for filing a final application.

While the earlier Suffolk Downs project was to be located in East Boston and Revere, the one that Mohegan Sun and Suffolk Downs are planning would be located entirely in Revere. East Boston voters rejected the original plan.

A Suffolk Downs official told the commission Tuesday morning that Mohegan Sun would be the applicant for the Revere-only casino license and would develop and operate the proposed gaming facility. Suffolk Downs, the would-be tenant, would be responsible for seeking approvals to continue operating the thoroughbred horse track at the site.

Stephen Crosby, the commission chairman, suggested the panel would have to separately vote on Mohegan Sun as the applicant for the project. He indicated that he believed the Revere-only proposal can go forward without another referendum.

"I don't see a compelling reason to deny the people of Revere …," he said.

Commissioner James McHugh, however, said he was "troubled" by statutory requirements that call for a referendum vote no sooner than 60 days after an applicant reaches a host community agreement with the municipality where a casino is to be located.

Mohegan Sun, whose representatives before the commission included Mitchell Etess, the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority's chief executive officer, has said Mohegan Sun will honor all commitments to Revere contained in Suffolk Downs' previous agreement with the city.

Revere Mayor Daniel Rizzo told the commission his city is more enthusiastic than ever about hosting a resort casino. He said the Revere City Council passed a resolution in support of the project Monday night.

Commissioners said they had received little or no communication from Revere interests opposed to the new partnership or its casino plan.

b.hallenbeck@theday.com