Massachusetts okays MGM Springfield casino’s Friday launch

Massachusetts gaming regulators have given their final approval for MGM Resorts’ new $960m MGM Springfield casino to open this Friday.

On Wednesday, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) issued regulatory approval for MGM Springfield opening its doors to the public on August 24th. The approval follows successful completion of two test play nights over the past week under the watchful eye of state officials.

Located in the state’s southwestern corner, MGM Springfield spans three city blocks in downtown Springfield. Its amenities include a 250-room hotel, a six-screen ‘luxury’ cinema, a bowling alley, shopping and dining options, plus a 125k-square-foot gaming floor featuring 2,550 slots, 120 gaming tables, a poker room and a high-limit VIP gaming lounge.

Penn National Gaming’s slots-only Plainridge Park Casino has been open since June 2015 but MGM Springfield will be the state’s first destination casino. In other words, there’s a lot of pressure on MGM not to screw this up.