MGM Springfield Opens Sports Betting Lounges Ahead of Industry Approval

MGM Springfield is wasting no time when it comes to preparing for legal sports betting in Massachusetts. The Springfield casino just reached its third anniversary of operation and opened two new sports betting lounges to celebrate.

The state has yet to legalize sports betting, but legislation is slowly moving forward. If a bill becomes law, MGM will be ready to provide services at its brick and mortar property and online through its BetMGM mobile app.

MGM Springfield Sportsbook Is A Multi-Million Dollar Effort

MGM Resorts International understands the anticipation of sports betting in Massachusetts and has created two new venues to appeal to the masses.  The main sports lounge is on the casino floor and a second area is located inside the Tap Sports Bar.

The main MGM Springfield Sportsbook lounge area includes a 45-foot state-of-the-art viewing wall with HD technology. Sports fans can sit in over 70 lounge seats inside the lounge, with several games airing on the video wall at once. Players can wager via the BetMGM platform once lawmakers approve legislation in the state.

The second MGM Springfield sports lounge space, at the Tap Sports Bar, offers a more intimate setting. Bettors can relax on couches while viewing games from a TV wall. A special menu for dining is available in this area.

MGM Springfield Northeast Regional President and COO Chris Kelley commented on the new venues, stating the casino will be ready to go once sports betting is legalized.

“We’re very optimistic that we’ll see legislation later this year in the event that we have the opportunity to start taking bets, this is the room, we’re ready to rock and roll, and we’re looking forward to taking bets at MGM Springfield.”

Massachusetts Betting Legislation Update

In July, the state House of Representatives approved sports betting bill H3977. Representatives sent the measure to the Senate, where it must also be approved. The industry would prefer to start this year with the beginning of football season, but it does not appear that will happen.

Some members are still skeptical of the idea of adding the option to the current gambling landscape. State Senator Eric Lesser feels that the legislation will be considered by the Senate later in the year. If the industry is approved, the state expects as much as $60 million could be generated in annual tax revenues.

MGM Springfield to Bring Back Poker

Along with the new sports betting lounges, MGM Springfield is preparing to welcome back the game of poker. The casino has been without poker since the COVID-19 pandemic began and will now set tables back up by the end of the year.

During a recent Gaming Commission meeting, the compliance director for the casino told regulators that poker is returning. Daniel Miller said that plans are in place to provide games once again in the fourth quarter. Discussions have been ongoing for quite some time on bringing back poker due to the Commission receiving complaints from players on the lack of poker options at MGM and the Encore Boston Harbor.

Poker players and previous dealers have reportedly told the casino that they want to see the game back in action. MGM Springfield plans to offer poker games at a reduced capacity. The poker room typically houses 28 tables. Once reopened, the room will only feature 10 to 12 tables.