March was a top 5 month for each casino as far as revenue from both slots and TGs. Neither place will be in a hurry to add more payroll if they are making close to the same money as when they opened.

https://massgaming.com/regulations/revenue/

Most restrictions and such are being lifted this weekend. However, ;

"Both Encore and MGM Springfield said they won’t bring poker back right away. But they told casino regulators that they are evaluating and will get back to the Gaming Commission by the end of 2021 with a plan for reopening poker."

Don't expect poker anytime soon.

Is Sprinfield a good touristy town for a weekend trip? How is the area around the casino? I do see a lot of attractions but also notes about high crime in the city

Not a good tourist spot. Only if you're a big NBA fan who wants to hit the hall of Fame up. I can't even think of anything else to do.

It depends on your interests. If you have a broad interest in museums, especially ones more geared towards families, the City does have a pretty impressive collection of offerings for a city of its size. There are some good outdoor sports (hiking, boating, fishing etc.) spots within 30 minutes of the city
Other than that, it has some decent nightlife spots, but nothing really unique that would draw people from out of market. It's not a dangerous city for alert people who are minding their own business. No worse than parts of NYC, Boston, Hartford or Worcester. That being said, be alert.

I'd consider it a city worth visiting once if you are looking for something fresh and have an interest in the above mentioned things or of course basketball history.

Worth making a trip out with the family if you enjoy state fairs while The Big E is going on 9/16-10/3

I also forgot the obvious Six Flags, which is less than 10 minutes away.

Just in case there's any element of doubt before you commit: there is currently no poker at MGM Springfield.

Thanks all for the info, might check out Springfield sometime later this year/2022 when poker is back

You mean IF poker is back.

https://www.masslive.com/news/2021/0...ack-poker.html
[Possibly paywalled link depending on how you access it I believe]

Pretty much what we all know. Gaming commission basically said the casinos are not actively trying to bring back poker. They may be waiting for sports betting legislation before they move towards poker.

Word amongst a few low level MGM employees the other day, they all say they are hearing that it's not coming back.


Also of note, MGM had higher revenue this June than they did June 2019.

Thanks for the update. Hopefully when they bring poker back the action will be like when the casino first opened. If so, worth a visit.

MGM Springfield rep said on a MGC call today that they are bringing it back. Coming back in "Q4 this year" but at a reduced amount of tables (10-12) instead of the 28 pre-COVID.

Well that's good news. Fingers crossed.

Hope it will be in the same room!

They stated at the meeting that the room would be set up again in its original location.

Have only played here once or twice. Did they usually fill all 28 tables before or is 10-12 table more in line with demand ?

There'll be a list at 12 tables on Friday and Saturdays for sure. I'd say pre covid on Saturday nights there'd be 18-24 going.

I'm guessing this is a staffing concern to go with 10-12 tables and eventually add more.

There was only ever 23 tables, not the 28 cited by the MGM rep.

It would get pretty full on Fridays and weekends, but during the week 10-12 would certainly suffice.

I imagine this is more down to employee headcount than floorspace tbh.

Edit: or basically what Big Whoop just said.

Is poker back yet?

No.

I heard a rumor about dealers getting a call back for late October/early November. It's second hand knowledge for me. Hope it's true.

I know some poker dealers were recently offered to return immediately and be trained to deal other table games until poker reopened. I haven't heard of any firm timeline for reopening other than anywhere between late this year and Spring.

Solid knowledge was told to me Oct/Nov too. 12 tables for sure.

Yup, heard same thing from two pre COVID dealers. They are not returning.

They have started the process of setting up the poker room. They are moving some slot machines around now. It will be 10-12 tables. No date set right now.

Does this establishment offer comped rooms?