Massachusetts’s three casinos, the Encore Boston Harbor, Plainridge Park slots parlor and the MGM Springfield all saw decreases in gaming revenue over last year in August. A combined drop of 17.4 percent for the first full month of operation since they reopened after a Covid-mandated shutdown.
The data on the decline was released by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
All three casinos reopened in July with much reduced capacity, and they still haven’t returned to full capacity.
The MGM Springfield took in $18.46 million in August, compared to $20.97 million last year. This was its worst month of operations since it opened. Its slots revenue was $14.05 million, or 10 percent less than 2019. Table game revenue fell 17 percent from $5.33 million to $4.41 million.
Wynn’s Encore took $42.39 million in gross gaming revenue, compared to $52.49 in 2019.
Plainridge Park collected $10.17 million in slots revenue, compared to $12.08 million the year before.
The MGM Springfield plans to reopen its fine dining option, Chandler Steakhouse, beginning October 2. It will only open on Fridays and Saturdays at first. This is part of the resort’s phased expansion of amenities while not loosening health and safety requirements imposed by the state.
The casino previously reopened Tap Sports Bar, South End Market and Costa’s Pizza. All restaurants allow patrons to use their mobile devices to look at menus and order food.
MGM’s hotel uses a similar system to check in. Currently it is only open on the first floor and only to M Life Reward members.
Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, a longtime supporter of the casino, told the Republican, “Their slow, thoughtful and calculated approach to reopening has helped in building consumer and business confidence. MGM Springfield has followed and adhered to all local public health guidance and protocols.”
In March as the pandemic was just beginning in the Bay State, the MGM Springfield had about 2,000 workers. It reopened with 800, a number that has not yet increased.
