Massachusetts casino revenue drops to $84M, poker could resume by the end of 2021

A report released by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission provided the most recent revenue figures from MGM Springfield, Encore Boston Harbor and Plainridge Park. 

MGM Springfield’s gross gambling revenue for June was $20.21 million. Less than May’s revenue which was $21.25 million, and $21.93 million in April. These results are in line with the fluctuations of the season in the casino business area. The gross gambling take in June 2019 was $19.95 million. 

MGM’s June figures include $16.53 million from slots and $3.67 million from table games, whereas Encore reported $52.56 million in gross gaming revenue in June 2021. In May, Encore reported $52.93 million, and $50.18 in April. 

Plainridge had $11.32 million in slots revenue in June 2021, down from $12.49 million in May. The June 2019 number was $13.54 million.

According to the Gaming Commission’s report, June’s gross gambling revenue state wide was $84 million. May’s and April’s figures were $86.68 million and $84.63 million, respectively. 

In a follow-up meeting, regulators said MGM and Encore have not reinstated poker as they reopen from pandemic shutdowns, and they are not in a hurry to do so. The slots-only casino, attached to a horse racing track at Plainridge has never had poker. According to Encore and MGM’s websites, they plan to revisit poker by the end of 2021.

Deputy director of investigations and enforcement at the Gaming Commission, Bruce Band, said they have received requests for poker, but casinos are mindful of its profit potential in contrast with other gambling offerings in the same space. 

“I think both of them are actually waiting to see what happens with sports betting and space and forging ahead. It’s kind of a wait-and-see for both properties”, he said.

The commissioners also received the latest update from researchers who are currently investigating the impact of casino gambling in the state. 

The commission also received the latest update from researchers, who are currently investigating the impact of casino gambling in the state. Crime data from 2019 showed crime in the area had no connection to MGM Springfield except for some instances of D.U.I., as the casino was closed during 2020, Mass Live reports.

“Crime fell like a rock during the COVID closures — less because of MGM’s closure specifically and more because of general societal changes during the period,” read the report. “In future analyses, it will become very difficult to untangle any MGM-specific influence from the changes brought by COVID and other societal factors.”

The Gaming Commission also heard Thursday about an MGM program offering free lunch to workers in its company cafeteria in part as a thank-you and in part as a way to boost hiring as many businesses struggle to acquire employees.