Massachusetts rejects return of more games

Two casinos had requested permission to resume craps, roulette and poker.

US.- The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has denied the requests of two casinos to resume craps, roulette and poker.

The request was made by casinos Encore Boston Harbor and MGM Springfield in a virtual meeting that took place last Thursday.

Bruce Band, MGC Investigations and Enforcement Bureau Assistant Director, said: “In light of some of the increase in COVID things at this time, we didn’t really feel it was appropriate to add new games, so we’re going to continue reviewing this and keeping an eye on the COVID numbers and consider that at a later date.”

The three games had been banned by the MGC as part of novel coronavirus sanitary policies implemented on the reopening of casinos in the first half of July.

MGM Springfield leaders released a statement on the decision saying: “We appreciate the Gaming Commission’s thoughtful consideration and will continue to work collaboratively to determine when it’s appropriate to offer more amenities to our guests.”

Eric Kraus, Public Affairs Chief of Encore, commented: “We developed prototypes that would allow those games to be played. That said, we are following the directives of the state and the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. What we want to do, at the appropriate time following the state’s lead, is to offer the full complement of gaming options for our guests.”