What To Do And What To Play At Plainridge Park Casino

The billion-dollar MGM Springfield casino is slated to open in September. Meanwhile, the mammoth $2.4 billion Wynn Boston Harbor is shooting for a June 2019 ribbon-cutting.

Both properties will be true destination, resort casinos, with an incredible list of amenities, entertainment, shopping, and dining options.

But there’s also a third Massachusetts casino. Its doors are already open: Plainridge Park Casino.

The harness racing venue/slots parlor doesn’t boast the high-end spas a shondpping options of MGM and Wynn. However, it does have dining and entertainment options.

A quick history of Plainridge Park

Plainridge Park is a racino (a live racing venue and slot parlor) in Plainville, Massachusetts. Penn National Gaming owns and operates the facility.

Plainridge Park already had a 15-year history as a harness racing track in Central Massachusetts when the state authorized casino gambling in 2011. Under Massachusetts’ gaming law, the state can award up to three resort casinos and one slot parlor license.

Plainridge was one of three applicants for the state’s slot parlor license. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission awarded the license to the property in February 2014.

On June 22, 2015, Plainridge Park became the Plainridge Park Casino.

Here’s a look at what the property has to offer.

Entertainment

Revolution Lounge

Revolution Lounge is an open air stage and bar area tucked away on the far side of the casino.

The Lounge features live local bands on most weekend nights.

A full bar surrounds the stage, with more seating available at bar tables, as well as a back rail with seating.

Plainridge also hosts some special ticketed events in its banquet area, The Loft, which is detailed below.

Restaurants

Flutie’s Sports Pub

Named for one of the area’s most celebrated athletes, Doug Flutie, Flutie’s Sports Pub pays homage to Flutie’s athletic career and local ties. From his time as a standout at Natick High School, to Boston College, to the New England Patriots, with several USFL, NFL, and CFL stops in between.

Flutie’s has a pretty large footprint. It offers a casual dining experience with traditional pub food, a large bar area, and plenty of TV’s.

Slack’s Oyster House & Grill

Slack’s is Plainridge’s upscale dining option. The restaurant provides high-quality food at a relatively reasonable price. By comparison, the same menu would be at least 25 percent more expensive at Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun.

The menu ranges from burgers and fish and chips to seafood towers and quality cuts of beef.

Food Court

If you’re looking for something quick and easy, Plainridge has a small food court area with three eateries and some communal seating:

1. Dunkin Donuts – I’m pretty sure every food court in Massachusetts is required by law to have a Dunkin Donuts, so it’s not a surprise to see one at Plainridge
2. Slice – A budget-friendly pizza and sandwich shop
3. Good – A healthier food court option, offering up everything from turkey and veggie burgers to avocado bowls to smoothies

Racing concessions

• Dark Horse Bar – Located in the simulcast and race viewing area
• Trackside concessions are also available

Amenities

The Loft

The Loft is a two-room event space located above the property’s racebook. The space hosts private functions as well as ticketed events held at Plainridge.

The Loft is capable of supporting up to 300 guests.

• Newbury Room fits 15 – 100 seated people
• Boylston Room fits 200+ seated

Plainridge aso offers a full banquet menu, breakfast, lunch, or dinner, available in buffet or sit-down style.

Hotel

Plainridge lacks an on-site hotel, but there are several options in the immediate vicinity that offer Marquee Rewards members a discount.

The closest is the Holiday Inn Express in Plainville. which is located a half mile from the casino. The Holiday Inn Express Plainville offers Marquee Rewards Members a 10 percent discount on rooms.

Gaming

Of course, the big draw at Plainridge Park Casino is the gambling.

Plainridge Park boasts 1,250 state-of-the-art slot machines, including video poker and electronic, live-dealer table games.

Plainridge also hosts more than 100 days of live harness racing, plus year-round simulcast racing, 365 days a year.