MGM Springfield Is Now Open For Business

You might think that online gambling has taken over from bricks and mortar casinos but actually this is far from the case. The casino industry continues to thrive – in America last year, casinos generated a record $40.28 billion. This week there has been another welcome addition to the industry, the MGM Springfield in Massachusetts. This enormous casino resort which cost a reported $960 million opened its doors on Friday 24th August to enthusiastic gamblers, with their stakes ready.

An Experience For The Senses

MGM have taken a detailed look at the psychology of playing casino games when designing The Springfield. There is limited natural light and windows, and no clocks, so that you can't tell what the time is – you are more likely to linger longer and lose track. The first visitors spent six hours exploring the 125,000 square foot casino, that comes complete with 2,500 slot machines. There are also 120 gaming tables, featuring all the popular casino attractions poker to blackjack.

It'a more than just a casino however. The Springfield boasts restaurants shopping and entertainment. It is a one stop shop for the community, and is expected to draw in 15,000 visitors every day. The inauguration ceremony was certainly something to behold, there was an enormous parade around the city, featuring a local celebrities, a marching band, and a procession of Budweiser Clydesdale horses. It was a true spectacle, but then there are many reasons why Springfield has reason to celebrate with the opening of this casino.

The benefits to the community

The MGM Springfield is set to provide a massive boost to the local economy. It took three and a half years to build, providing work to a vast number of local businesses, from engineers to electricians. Now that the casino resort is finally open, it is employing over 3,000 members of staff, it has been estimated that 35% of Springfield residents will be employed at the MGM. Massachusetts City received $15 million from the company as part of the agreement to build. They are also reported to benefit from the resort to the tune of $25 million a year. This is an immense income that could benefit the city and those living there in other ways.

Future developments

MGM spokesman Severus Mancini has confirmed that even after opening weekend, the Springfield casino will continue to draw in large crowds. To add to the excitement, there will be a brand new seven screen Regal Cinema opening at the resort next month, drawing in families to catch a movie and then grab some dinner. There are also plans for some incredible live music acts to play, bringing more crowds and income to the area. Stevie Wonder is playing on 1st September. Here's hoping that he plays Celebration for Springfield.

Bricks and mortar casinos are alive and well – and whatsmore, they are attracting bigger crowds than ever. The MGM Springfield will no doubt provide a great economic boost for Massachusetts.