Construction work on MGM Springfield is going on schedule, President Michael Mathis confirmed. The $950-million hotel and casino resort is planned to open doors in September 2018.
Mr. Mathis said that favorable weather conditions have been aiding building process and if work continues to progress in that manner, the property will be finished in due time.
MGM Springfield, currently under construction in downtown Springfield, is one of three commercial gambling venues to have been authorized to open doors within Massachusetts’ borders. Casino expansion in the state was given the green light with a statewide vote. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission, the local gambling regulator, then announced that up to three casino resorts and a slots parlor can be launched in the state.
The slots parlor – Plainridge Park Casino – was the first commercial gambling venue to open doors in Massachusetts under the state’s amended gambling laws. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission eventually licensed two full-scale casino projects – MGM Springfield and Wynn Boston Harbor in Everett.
It all shows that MGM Springfield will be the first full-fledged casino in the state as Wynn Resorts’ property is not expected to be finished and launched before 2019.
Located in the central part of Springfield, the 14-acre property will occupy three city blocks and will include residential buildings, numerous dining and retail options, a hotel, and a gambling venue.
While under construction, the multi-millon-dollar complex is expected to create around 2,000 temporary jobs. Once finished, no less than 3,000 people will be employed at its casino, hotel, and other facilities. At least 2,200 of those will be hired full-time.
Providing latest update on how construction work goes, Mr. Mathis pointed out that they have been blessed by excellent weather and that having a second mild winter has really helped them progress well with building.
MGM Springfield was originally planned to feature a 25-story hotel tower but concerns from city residents, environmental groups, and other involved parties resulted in that original plan being scrapped. The resort is set to feature a six-story hotel instead.
Further expansion of the state’s gambling industry was proposed this year. Residents were asked during the November 8 vote whether another slots parlor should be built in Massachusetts. However, the ballot question did not gain the necessary support as most of those who voted cast a negative vote.
