Massachusetts’ gambling regulatory bodies are seeking public comment on the question of whether the state needs the addition of another casino. At the same time, the regulators are considering whether or not to once again open the competition for the third and final casino license, which is supposed to be given to the south-eastern part of the state.
The query was posted on the Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s website a few days ago, with responses on the matter set to be taken by March 16th. Local citizens are given the Apart from that, the gambling watchdog of the state is separately asking experts to answer more specific questions regarding the conduct of a market analysis aimed at studying the possible economic impact that the addition of a new casino venue would have in the region.
Currently, the south-eastern part of the state already hosts the harness racing track and slot machine parlor Plainridge Park. Also, two casinos are being operated by Twin River closely nearby.
The last time when the state of Massachusetts has taken into consideration the distribution of the third casino license in the south-eastern region, only once the proposal was made. At the time, only a casino project at the Brockton Fairgrounds worth $677 million was made. Back in 2016, the Massachusetts gaming watchdog rejected the offer, citing the potential for too much casino services to become available in the state.
Is the Existing Casino Activity Enough in the State of Massachusetts?
For the time being, there are two large scale resort casinos that operate on the territory of the state of Massachusetts. The first one, MGM Springfield, is situated near the border with the state of Connecticut, while the Encore Boston Harbor is situated in Everett.
A casino resort worth almost $1 billion, which is set to be hosted in Taunton, has been proposed by the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe to the state authorities while another Native American nation – the Aquinnah Wampanoag tribe – is constructing a gambling hall situated on Martha’s Vineyard.
Despite its bid to build the third casino in Massachusetts in 2016 was not successful, the company that made the proposal for the Brockton casino, Mass Gaming and Entertainment, has continued to insist that the state should reconsider the rejection. According to the Mass Gaming and Entertainment, the casino project unveiled by the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe, is not the best one for the state, as it remains associated with some legal challenges.
With some casino gambling activity already taking place in the state, the local authorities need to make it clear whether there are enough casino venues in Massachusetts, or not. The Mass Gaming and Entertainment is now pushing for the third remaining license that is available in the state, with the answer of the competent authorities and the gambling regulatory body set to be given in the months to come.
