MGM Springfield, a prominent gaming establishment in Massachusetts, has incurred a $45,000 civil administrative penalty following multiple instances of underage individuals gaining access to the gaming floor. The penalty was agreed upon through a collaborative effort between the Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s Investigations and Enforcement Bureau (IEB) and MGM Springfield. These incidents occurred between June and December 2022, prompting the resort to take corrective measures to ensure compliance with gaming regulations and prevent future violations.
Addressing Underage Gambling Issues:
MGM Springfield demonstrated a proactive stance in handling the issue by self-reporting many of the violations. The casino has maintained a cooperative approach in its dealings with the IEB. In response to the breaches, MGM Springfield has implemented several remedial actions. These measures include enhanced training programs, additional railings to separate the gaming floor, and plans to install an extra security podium for the gaming area.
IEB’s Perspective:
Kathleen Kramer, Senior Enforcement Counsel at the IEB, acknowledged the cooperation and self-reporting efforts of MGM Springfield. She highlighted the resort’s commitment to implementing enhanced practices aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future. The IEB remains vigilant in overseeing MGM Springfield’s compliance with gaming laws and regulations and monitoring the effectiveness of the remedial actions taken.
Massachusetts’ April Gaming Revenue:
In addition to the penalty imposed on MGM Springfield, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) reported the state’s gaming revenue figures for April. Combined taxable gaming revenue from casino wagering for the month amounted to $101 million. Encore Boston Harbor reported gross gaming revenue of $63.9 million, while MGM Springfield contributed $23.7 million, and Plainridge Park Casino recorded $13.4 million in revenue.
Sports wagering also played a significant role in April’s revenue. A total of $579.2 million was wagered on sports through in-person and online betting. Out of this sum, $566.2 million was wagered online, with $13 million being wagered at casinos. The month yielded approximately $58.9 million in taxable sports wagering revenue (TSWR), involving six mobile/online sports wagering licensees and three in-person licensees.
Tax Contributions:
The three casinos in Massachusetts collectively generated $28.5 million in tax revenue for the state. Since their respective openings, the Commonwealth has collected approximately $1.4 billion in taxes and assessments, underlining the significant financial contribution of the gaming industry to the region.
MGM Springfield’s penalty for underage gambling violations, while a challenging chapter, demonstrates the commitment to upholding regulatory standards within the gaming industry. The state’s April gaming revenue figures highlight the substantial economic impact of gaming and sports wagering, underlining the critical role these establishments play in contributing to Massachusetts’ financial well-being.