Massachusetts casino and slot parlor activity rebounds to pre-pandemic levels

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission reported on Thursday that the month of March 2021 at Plainridge Park Casino (PPC), MGM Springfield and Encore Boston Harbor generated approximately $84 million in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), reflecting an increase of approximately $16.5 million from the prior month.

The significant increase occurred despite continuing restrictions in the casinos under the coronavirus pandemic.

Gross gaming revenues have steadily climbed in recent months at MGM Springfield, Encore Boston Harbor and Plainridge Park casino, according to reports released by the Gaming Commission.

In March, MGM Springfield had $22,063,598.83 in gross gaming revenues, and Encore had $49,666,739.61, according to the commission. Plainridge Park has $12,226,760.

The three casinos generated a total of $23.9 million in state taxes in March, the commission reported.

The state Gaming Commission has taken steps aimed at assisting the casinos in bringing back patrons and revenues, including lifting the cap on occupancy from 25% to 40%. The casinos, however, have fallen far short of that cap as the pandemic continues.

In mid-March, the commission voted to allow the return of craps games at the casinos and to allow an additional seat at blackjack tables, up from three seats to a fourth seat, hoping to provide additional play.

MGM Springfield and Encore, as Category 1 resort casinos, are taxed by the state at 25% of their gross gaming revenue.

Separately MGM pays annual taxes to the city of Springfield, along with other funding requirements under its host community agreement with the city.

Plainridge, as a Category 2 slots parlor, is taxed by the state at 49% of its gross gaming revenue. Of that amount, 82% is paid to local aid and 18% is allotted to the Race Horse Development Fund.