Lack of Space, Not Enough Dealers: Massachusetts Poker Rooms Remain Shuttered

Last month, we reported on the growing impatience of Massachusetts poker players as they eagerly awaited the reopening of their beloved game in the state’s casinos. Despite the lifting of pandemic-related restrictions on poker games during the spring, both MGM Springfield and Encore Boston Harbor have kept their poker rooms closed, much to the disappointment of players.

At the recent Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) meeting held last Thursday, the players’ grievances persist, as they voiced their concerns once again. Shedding more insight into the matter, a casino representative highlighted various factors contributing to the decision of postponing the reintroduction of poker for the time being.

The current challenges include insufficient floor space and a shortage of available dealers to meet the casinos’ needs, even without considering the operation of poker tables.

Players’ complaints continue, rooms remain closed

Bruce Band from the Gaming Agents Division of the MGC once again addressed the commission, providing updates on the rising number of grievances coming from poker players.

In March 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, both the significant poker rooms at MGM Springfield and Encore Boston Harbor were temporarily closed. Although the casinos resumed operations a few months later, the poker rooms remained shut partly due to restrictions imposed by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC).

The restrictions encompassed a restriction on the number of players allowed per poker table, limiting it to four. Due to the lack of profitability anticipated from such games, neither property opted to reopen their poker rooms.

The restriction was lifted in May 2021, allowing for the resumption of full-ring poker games. However, despite this change, neither establishment took the initiative to reopen their poker rooms. As of now, over two months have passed and their closure has approached the one and a half year mark.

Band stated that the MGC has been consistently receiving 50 monthly complaints, with a majority of them being related to the currently inaccessible poker rooms.

Poker’s return would mean removing ‘highest-performing’ slots

Jacqui Krum, an executive from Encore Boston Harbor, provided an explanation to the MGC regarding the poker room’s delayed reopening at Encore.

Krum clarified that they did not completely reject the idea of reintroducing poker, but rather stated that it is not currently feasible. She mentioned that the casino regularly adapts its offerings according to customer demand and feedback. Although the casino aims to be flexible and responsive to customers’ preferences, limited space has compelled Encore to make certain decisions.

She described that the space previously dedicated to the poker room has now been taken over by our most successful slot machines.

Furthermore, a few of these machines are notably cumbersome, taking up even greater space compared to regular slot machines.

Krum explained that the ongoing “labor crunch” is further exacerbating the issue. She mentioned that they are constantly hiring but are struggling to find an adequate number of dealers, cashiers, or food servers.

Krum stated that the casino has provided an opportunity for former poker dealers to receive training in any other table game they desire. However, reopening poker at this moment would require shutting down other table games due to insufficient staff availability.

Every day, Encore management confronts numerous difficult choices, which are further compounded by staff constraints and limited space.

In conclusion, she assured that the return of poker is a significant aspect of their daily deliberations; however, she refrained from providing a specific date for its potential comeback.

Neighboring states’ casinos dealing poker while MA waits

Although this report provides insights into the reasons for poker’s continued absence, it may not bring much comfort to poker players in Massachusetts who are eager for their rooms to reopen.

At present, the poker rooms at Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resorts Casino in Connecticut are operational, along with certain rooms in New York casinos such as del Lago Resort Casino, Resorts World Catskills, and Turning Stone Resort Casino.