Another Strong Month For Casinos As Sports Betting, Poker Draw Attention

In June, the casinos in Massachusetts experienced a gradual return to normalcy. However, there was a slight decrease in the total amount raised by all three establishments due to a seasonal decline.

In total, the three sites generated over $84 million in gross gaming revenue during the ongoing and challenging recovery period from COVID-19. These impressive figures were achieved even without the inclusion of attractions such as poker.

MA casinos enjoy another month of normalcy

According to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, the total tax revenue generated by the three casinos exceeded $23.7 million.

Most of the money is allocated to local aid, transportation funding, and education spending. Additionally, a portion of Plainridge’s tax revenue is directed towards the state’s Race Horse Development Fund.

In June, Massachusetts’ three casinos generated the following amounts of money:

• The slots at Encore Boston Harbor generated $29.3 million, while the table games brought in $23.2 million.
• The revenue generated by MGM Springfield from table games amounted to $3.67 million, while the total revenue for the establishment reached $16.53 million.
• The slots at Plainridge Park Casino have generated a staggering $11.3 million.

Massachusetts casinos experienced a slight decrease in revenue last month compared to the figures of the previous month.

Encore’s revenue in June decreased slightly from May, with $52.5 million generated compared to $52.9 million. MGM Springfield reported $20.2 million in revenue last month, down from $21.2 million in May. Plainridge’s slot revenue was $11.3 million in June, a decrease from the previous month’s $12.5 million.

Despite the financial concerns, Massachusetts casinos are currently enjoying a sense of normalcy and are making progress in recovering from the devastating impacts of COVID-19.

Despite slow reopenings starting in July 2020, it wasn’t until May that the casinos were allowed to fully reopen. As a result, the consistent growth observed since late 2020 becomes even more remarkable.

The conclusion of mask offerings is still unattainable, but Massachusetts casinos have mostly returned to normalcy.

Still no poker at Encore, MGM

The future of poker within Massachusetts casinos, particularly Encore Boston Harbor and MGM Springfield, remains uncertain as decisions have yet to be made.

Following the initial measures taken due to COVID-19, the game has not made a comeback yet, and there is still no clear indication of when the popular activity will resume.

MGC officials have recently expressed their opinion that casinos are hesitant to commit to poker until they observe the outcomes of other betting opportunities, such as the potential legalization of sports wagering.

Despite the reopening of poker rooms with limitations since summer 2020, poker players who have been left without a hand for the past 16 months remain restless, showing that such excuses have failed to pacify them.

However, the restrictions, such as table seating limitations, came to an end in May. Nevertheless, poker is still not permitted.

The number of complaints keeps increasing, but casinos are urging their customers to remain patient, assuring them that decisions will be made before the end of 2021. However, if poker is reintroduced, it will probably be on a smaller scale compared to before.

Sports betting heads to the docket

Currently, the focus turns towards sports betting in Massachusetts as House members are anticipated to commence discussions on a bill that would ultimately legalize this activity.

The full House is set to hear one bill, which has already been approved by a House committee, on Thursday. Additionally, other legislation is currently being considered.

Possible rewrite: Some of the topics to be addressed include the inclusion of in-stadium betting, as well as the licensing requirements for casinos, racetracks, and mobile apps.

Following a failed attempt in the previous year’s session, there is little chance lawmakers will accept a repetition of such failure, particularly when considering the potential for substantial tax revenue increases and the widespread acceptance of the practice throughout the country.