MGM Springfield Casino Resort Draws 1 Million Visitors in First 40 Days

MGM Springfield welcomed 1 million visitors during its first forty days of operation, property officials told the Massachusetts Gaming Commission during a Thursday meeting. The hotel and casino complex opened doors on August 24 in the city of Springfield near the Connecticut border.

Michael Mathis, President of MGM Springfield, told gaming commissioners on Thursday that the $960-million integrated resort generated gaming revenue of $36 million during the first forty days of its operation, which translates to nearly $9 million in tax revenue for the state. Under Massachusetts’ gambling law, commercial casinos must contribute 25% of their gaming revenue to the state.

Commenting on the recently revealed visitor numbers, MGM spokesman Saverio Mancini said after Thursday’s meeting with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, that an average of 15,000 people visit the Springfield casino per day, which is very much in par with initial expectations.

MGM Springfield launched in August 24 to become Massachusetts’ first commercial integrated resort with a gaming floor. The property features a full-scale Las Vegas-style casino with both table games and slot machines. Wynn Resorts is currently building the $2.5-million Encore Boston Harbor in the Greater Boston area, which will be the state’s second integrated resort. The property is on schedule to open in June 2019, but an ongoing court battle over the release of a report by MassGaming could delay its launch.

MGM Praised by the Gaming Commission

Local news outlet MassLive reported after the Thursday meeting that Massachusetts gaming commissioners praised MGM Springfield’s effort to tackle an issue previously raised by the regulator over the easy access of minors to the gaming floor.

Families were previously allowed to cross through the resort’s casino. However, it became known yesterday that the commission worked with MGM officials to end the practice of the gaming area being used as a cut-through, as that was a temptation for minors that was not needed.

Mr. Mathis said yesterday that the property has “zero tolerance” regarding access to the casino by minors and that the gaming floor is being watched by casino staff and cameras so that MGM is able to address any problems with minors.

The official further pointed out that the property has “an aggressive family program and amenities” to entertain parents and their minors, including an outdoor plaza. MassGaming Executive Director Edward R. Bedrosian said yesterday that the outdoor plaza, in particular, was “an unqualified success” and that there have been no significant issues over the four months since MGM Springfield’s opening, even though alcohol is served in that area of the resort.

Source: casinonewsdaily.com

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