Massachusetts casinos struggle through November

MGM Springfield, Encore Boston Harbor and Plainridge Park Casino all reported revenue declines in November.

US.- Gaming revenues fell in November at all of Massachusetts’ three casinos, with MGM Springfield reporting the most disappointing performance in the property’s history.

According to figures released by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, MGM Springfield, Encore Boston Harbor and Plainridge Park Casino (PPC) collectively generated $45m in gross gaming revenue.

The total from the three properties is significantly less than the $69m recorded by the commission in October.

MGM’s revenue came to just $10.5m, a 40 per cent drop from the $17.5m it generated in October and a 47 per cent year-on-year decline from the $19.9m generated in November 2019.

According to the MGM, November was the worst month reported in the property’s operating history since it opened in August 2018.

Encore brought in $27.3m in gross gaming revenue in November, down 34 per cent from $41.1m in the previous month.

Plainridge Park, which only offers slot machines, generated $7.6m in revenue in November, a 25 per cent decline from $10.1m in October.

The decline in revenues across all three of the state’s properties meant a smaller tax receipt for the state of Massachusetts. The state took just under $13.2m for November, down from $19.6m in October.

The lower revenues are the result of a state-imposed curfew implemented after a spike in Covid-19 cases. Casinos are required to close between 9.30pm and 5.00am.

With talk of launching sports betting in Massachusetts, Plainridge Park Casino and Encore Boston Harbor have written to lawmakers asking for control over the potential new market.