Gambling in the USA
MGM Springfield Makes New England Debut
Investing in the Revival of a Great American City, Massachusetts’ First Resort and Casino brings 3,000 Permanent Jobs and New Entertainment Offerings to Region
SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Aug, 2018 — MGM Springfield, New England’s first integrated luxury resort, officially opened its doors today. The resort combines the excitement and energy of Las Vegas with the rich historical context of Springfield, a city steeped in innovation and the arts.
“Travelers seeking authentic, local experiences are rediscovering small cities across the U.S. that fuse small-town charm with the allure of big-city culture,” said Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts. “With a 375-year legacy as a major crossroads of New England, Springfield is poised to join the likes of such hidden gems with the development of MGM Springfield leading a fresh wave of rediscovery in The City of Firsts.”
Inspired to drive curiosity in local heritage for a new wave of locals and visitors, MGM Springfield’s design team incorporated architectural landmarks and hundreds of locally sourced vintage treasures into the resort. From recasting the former hotel to Presidents Polk and Buchanan into a sophisticated steakhouse to restoring a 19th century arsenal and a High Gothic-style church, the development thoughtfully merges new building with historic architecture, with a resulting aesthetic that is distinctly Springfield.
Covering three city blocks in the heart of downtown, the resort features whimsical accommodations with nods to notable locals Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss) and Emily Dickinson; recognized-chef restaurants by James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Mina and Adam Sobel, and Hell’s Kitchen Season 14 winner Meghan Gill; innovative lounges; a seven-screen luxury Regal Cinemas; 10-lane bowling alley within TAP Sports Bar; a Topgolf® Swing Suite; a serene spa; an expansive public art collection; A-list entertainment; and an open-air plaza activated daily with live music, pop-up-art galleries, food trucks, events and more.
The opening follows two days of festivities at the resort. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, Mayor Domenic Sarno, Congressman Richard Neal and Gaming Commission Chairman Stephen Crosby joined MGM Resorts Chairman and CEO Jim Murren and MGM Springfield President Mike Mathis yesterday to commemorate the occasion and celebrate the 3,000 jobs created with the resort’s opening.
Governor Charlie Baker said, “Our Administration is excited to officially welcome MGM to Springfield and we look forward to the new economic and job opportunities this project will help bring throughout the region. This project is a major investment in the workforce and economy of Western Massachusetts, and will also provide support to several important partnerships between education centers and community organizations.”
As a surprise during the opening week, actor Mark Wahlberg stopped by to announce that he will be bringing his family’s famed Wahlburgers to the resort. It will be located on the corner of Main and Union Streets on the southeast corner of the MGM Springfield campus, and is expected to open in late 2019.
This morning, thousands of eager visitors lined Main Street to enjoy a celebratory procession featuring hundreds of MGM Springfield employees, Cirque du Soleil performers, The Minutemen UMASS Marching Band, Indian Motorcycles, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, MGM Springfield executives, community partners and the Budweiser Clydesdales.
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said, “I am proud and thankful of MGM’s nearly $1 billion belief, investment and partnership with our city. Here’s to continued success!”
A glimpse into MGM Springfield:
- Accommodations. MGM Springfield features 250 guestrooms including 16 suites. Design details—including factory-style paned glass and Edison bulb fixtures—harken to Springfield’s industrial roots, while eclectic artwork evokes the locale’s creative iconography, visually referencing Emily Dickinson and Dr. Seuss – such as the 1,600-square-foot Presidential Suite’s stunning hat chandelier inspired by the 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins. Room reservations can be made via mgmspringfield.com. Nightly room rates start at $219.
- Gaming. Massachusetts’ first gaming resort, MGM Springfield’s 125,000-square-foot casino floor features 2,550 slot machines, 120 gaming tables, a poker room and high-limit VIP gaming lounge.
- Food & Beverage. A downtown epicurean destination, MGM Springfield offers an array of new-to-market concepts and celebrated-chef restaurants, including Italian coastal concept Cal Mare by James Beard Award-winning Chef Michael Mina and Chef Adam Sobel; fine steaks and seafood at The Chandler Steakhouse with Hell’s Kitchen season 14 winner Meghan Gill serving as executive chef; MGM’s signature TAP Sports Bar; and South End Market, a lively modern food hall boasting six casual and convenient eateries.
- Entertainment. The 8,000-seat MassMutual Center will host world tours from top artists to town beginning with Stevie Wonder on September 1. High-energy social elements like the region’s first public Topgolf Swing Suite, luxury Regal Cinemas, and TAP Sports Bar complete with a 10-lane bowling alley and arcade, bring a fun lineup of activities for all generations to downtown Springfield. The Plaza serves as an outdoor gathering space hosting interactive events designed to foster community engagement such as Beer Yoga, a pop-up art gallery by Springfield muralist John Simpson, seasonal activations and more.
- Nightlife. The art of mixology is a definitive experience across the resort at destination venues including Lobby Bar, Knox Bar and Commonwealth. From expertly crafted classics to creative libations, each beverage menu spotlights freshly pressed juices, house-made elixirs and locally sourced ingredients. Destined to be Springfield’s newest hot spot, Commonwealth Bar and Lounge features DJs or live entertainment nightly and is home to the $25,000 Indian Sidecar – made with a rare 1901 Croizet Cognac and includes an authentic Indian Motorcycle.
- Art & Culture. Drawing inspiration from the city’s legacy rich in art and culture, MGM Springfield features a curated collection from local and national artists. From large-scale sculptures to intriguing paintings, talent is displayed through dozens of commissioned and procured works throughout the resort. Mia Pearlman’s The Flying Tidings Whirled sculpture commemorates the resilience of Springfield following the devastating 2011 tornado, while contemporary artist Jeppe Hein’s bright red Bench of Expectation catches the attention of passersby in The Plaza with its winding loops and slides, inviting them for a sit or to marvel at its creativity.
- Spa & Pool. Guests and locals needing to recharge can find indulgence at MGM Springfield’s full-service spa complete with seven treatment rooms, couples’ suites and a warm design inspired by New England’s signature maritime style. A separate salon for men and women hosts an in-house barbershop – with a chair dedicated to Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno’s dad, a longtime local barber. An 8,000-square-foot pool provides a summertime urban escape.
- Retail. MGM Springfield’s retail lineup includes Springfield-born Indian Motorcycle’s first-ever apparel boutique alongside regionally revered brands Hannoush Jewelers and Kringle Emporium, whose new flagship is located in the former French Congregational Church, originally built in 1887 and moved 600 feet to its new home.
- Meetings & Events. With approximately 34,000 square feet of versatile space, MGM Springfield’s meeting and event center features ballrooms, meeting rooms and boardrooms adjacent to a 6,200-square-foot outdoor terrace that floods pre-function areas with natural light. For indoor-outdoor space with a historical twist, guests can host events in the resort’s castle-like Armory, which was built in 1895 and restored to its current spectacular state by the MGM Resorts’ design team.
From the Basketball Hall of Fame — a shrine to the sport in its founding locale, to The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum — Springfield is home to unique and unexpected cultural attractions. MGM Springfield is surrounded by landmarks such as HH Richardson Courthouse and City Hall, counting the riverfront, MassMutual Center, Symphony Hall and Union Station among its prestigious neighbors. The central downtown location allows guests to explore spontaneously or navigate a more robust travel experience aboard The Loop, a new free-to-ride transportation service linking downtown tourist spots, hotels, restaurants and cultural districts. Opening today in conjunction with the resort, The Loop connects Springfield’s most iconic sites including Union Station, State Armory, Springfield Museums, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and MGM Springfield.
Located just 80 miles west of Boston with immediate access to Interstate 91 and the Mass. Pike, as well as nearby Bradley International Airport in Hartford, Conn. and the Amtrak-serviced Union Station, MGM Springfield is well connected and will be easily accessible to local and global travelers.
About MGM Resorts International:
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is an S&P 500® global entertainment company with national and international locations featuring best-in-class hotels and casinos, state-of-the-art meetings and conference spaces, incredible live and theatrical entertainment experiences, and an extensive array of restaurant, nightlife and retail offerings. MGM Resorts creates immersive, iconic experiences through its suite of Las Vegas-inspired brands. The MGM Resorts portfolio encompasses 28 unique hotel offerings including some of the most recognizable resort brands in the industry. Expanding throughout the U.S. and around the world, the company opened MGM Cotai in Macau in February 2018. It is also developing MGM Springfield in Massachusetts and debuting the first international Bellagio branded hotel in Shanghai. The 78,000 global employees of MGM Resorts are proud of their company for being recognized as one of FORTUNE® Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies®. For more information visit us at www.mgmresorts.com.
Source: MGM Resorts International
Gambling in the USA
Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – November 11-17
Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.
Latest News
Golden Entertainment Inc. reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30. The Company reported third quarter revenue of $161.2 million, net income of $5.2 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $34.0 million. In addition, on November 5, the Company’s Board of Directors authorised the Company’s recurring quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share of the Company’s outstanding common stock payable on January 7, 2025 to shareholders of record as of December 20, 2024.
Snoqualmie Casino has announced its rebranding to Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel, reflecting an exciting new chapter in the venue’s history as it embarks on a much-anticipated expansion. Set for completion in mid-2025, this project promises to elevate the guest experience, making Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel a premier destination for entertainment, relaxation and culinary excellence. The cornerstone of the expansion is the construction of a luxurious hotel, which will offer guests unparalleled comfort and stunning views of the Snoqualmie Valley and Mount Si.
Galaxy Gaming Inc., the world’s largest independent developer and distributor of casino table games and technology announced, at a special meeting of its stockholders held on November 12, 2024 (the Special Meeting), Galaxy Gaming stockholders voted to approve the Company’s acquisition by Evolution Malta Holding Limited (Evolution), Evolution AB (publ)’s wholly owned subsidiary. Galaxy Gaming will file a Form 8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission reporting the final voting results of the Special Meeting.
Caesars Virginia has announced that its highly anticipated opening date will be Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. The resort will welcome its first guests beginning at noon. Additional details on the opening festivities will be announced at a later date. Caesars Virginia is a 587,000 square foot casino resort with more than 90,000 square feet of gaming space.
Partnerships
NGX has entered into a strategic partnership with Sportradar, a global leader in sports integrity solutions, which collaborates with more than 180 sports federations and leagues. The agreement aims to support the Brazilian football federations of Rio Grande do Sul, Paraná and Pará, providing detailed reports to ensure the integrity of sporting events and combat fraud.
EvenBet Gaming has announced the launch of its advanced poker solutions in partnership with JugaMax, one of the largest and most respected casino operators in Paraguay. This strategic collaboration marks EvenBet’s debut in the Paraguayan iGaming market, solidifying the company’s expansion within Latin America. The newly established partnership enables the integration of EvenBet Gaming’s poker offering on the JugaMax platform.
Jackpocket, the leading lottery app in the US, and Barstool Sports announced a new collaboration naming Jackpocket as the “Exclusive & Official Digital Lottery Partner of Barstool Sports”. The deal with Barstool follows Jackpocket’s parent company, DraftKings, announcing a similar agreement with the media company in February 2024. This collaboration centers around the integration of Jackpocket in Barstool’s content. Fans can participate in the lottery alongside some of Barstool’s biggest names such as Dave Portnoy, Big Cat & PFT from Pardon My Take – the leading sports podcast in America, Wallo & Gillie from Million Dollaz Worth of Game and more.
Gambling in the USA
Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – November 4-10
Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.
Latest News
PENN Entertainment and ESPN announced that account linking between ESPN BET and ESPN is now available for customers, creating an even more deeply integrated media and betting experience. By linking accounts, fans now have the ability to seamlessly track upcoming, live and settled bets within the ESPN app and on ESPN.com. With this product enhancement, ESPN BET will soon bring fans more personalised bets and timely promotions based on their favourite sports, teams, players and fantasy rosters.
Accel Entertainment Inc. has announced that it has completed the acquisition of 85% of the ownership interests of Toucan Gaming LLC and LSM Gaming LLC, two Louisiana-based route operators and owners of multiple licensed video poker establishments (collectively, “Toucan”), for approximately $40 million. The combined business will operate as Toucan Gaming throughout Louisiana and will be led by Stan Guidroz, an industry-leading gaming executive and current CEO of Toucan Gaming. Mr. Guidroz owns the remaining 15% of Toucan’s ownership interests and will lead the Accel team supporting Toucan’s continued growth.
INTRALOT S.A. has announced the undertaking of a new project between the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), the sole lottery operator for the Government of British Columbia in Canada, and INTRALOT, its US subsidiary, for the provision of an online lottery platform. The project also includes the digitalisation of the existing land-based network. The solution will be based on the Player X platform, part of the Lotos X ecosystem, and adds to the company’s overall partnership with BCLC, which has been extended until 2028.
BetMGM Poker has become the third US operator to offer multi-state online poker. The company has merged its player pools in Michigan and New Jersey. Both states are a part of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement, which allows online poker networks to share liquidity and players in participating markets. The two-state network went live Wednesday afternoon after morning maintenance.
Betsson Group has celebrated its success at the SBC Awards Latinoamérica 2024, winning two prestigious awards: Sportsbook Operator of the Year and Leader of the Year, which was awarded to Kevin Saliba, Commercial Director (Business Development) for Latin America. This marks the second consecutive year Betsson has earned the Leader of the Year accolade, following Andrea Rossi’s win in 2023 – an achievement that underscores Betsson’s consistent leadership in the region.
Partnerships
Play’n GO has announced a new operator partnership with renowned gaming brand Hard Rock Digital for their top-rated Hard Rock Bet online casino platform in New Jersey. The Hard Rock brand is synonymous with entertainment worldwide, and this partnership will see Hard Rock Bet players in New Jersey gain access to hit Play’n GO titles such as Piggy Blitz, Book of Dead and Rise of Olympus 100.
SCCG Management, a global leader in gaming innovation and advisory, has announced a strategic partnership with Chata.AI, a technology provider specialising in self-service, proactive analytics that enables businesses to access real-time insights without requiring extensive technical expertise. This partnership introduces Chata.AI’s technology to the gaming industry, providing operators with powerful tools to streamline decision-making and increase operational efficiency.
Gambling in the USA
Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – October 28-November 3
Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.
Latest News
Elray Resources Inc. has announced a significant milestone in the company’s growth strategy. The company has completed the sale of proprietary technology to 180 Life Sciences Corp. (NASDAQ:ATNF), a NASDAQ-listed company in exchange for preferred stock convertible into a 40% stake in ATNF and warrants to purchase 3 million shares of ATNF common stock, the conversion/exercise of which is subject to stockholder approval. The technology stack contained within Elray’s technology package will assist ATNF in launching an iGaming Blockchain casino.
PrizePicks, the largest daily fantasy sports operator in North America, has announced that it has been awarded Daily Fantasy Sports Operator Licenses in Delaware and Missouri. The company will launch Arena, its innovative peer-to-peer fantasy sports contest, in both states. With these new state launches, Arena will now be available in 15 states across the US.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (Board) unanimously voted to renew the Category 2 stand-alone casino license of Wind Creek Bethlehem LLC, operator of Wind Creek Bethlehem casino in Northampton County. In making the decision, the Board determined that Wind Creek Bethlehem LLC had fulfilled the obligations under its previously approved casino operator’s license and therefore qualified to have its license renewed for an additional five-year period.
Aristocrat announced that the company was the first international slot and online technology company to be granted a Gaming-Related Vendor license by The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), the federal entity overseeing commercial gaming activities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This announcement grants Aristocrat the ability to provide the company’s land-based electronic gaming machines (EGMs) and online games and technology solutions to commercial gaming operators licensed by the GCGRA.
Partnerships
SCCG Management, a leading global advisory and consulting firm in the gambling industry, has entered into a strategic partnership with Slot Machines Unlimited, a premier provider of refurbished slot machines and gaming equipment. The partnership between SCCG Management and Slot Machines Unlimited leverages both companies’ strengths: Slot Machines Unlimited’s expertise in refurbished gaming equipment and SCCG’s deep industry insight, global network and strategic growth capabilities. The collaboration will enhance Slot Machines Unlimited’s international sales and service operations, ensuring gaming establishments worldwide have access to high-quality slot machines and support.
Galaxy Gaming Inc. has announced that the Galaxy Operating System (GOS) is now live on over 50 ships worldwide with Carnival Corporation & PLC, the world’s largest leisure travel company. Since the installation, tables powered by GOS have awarded over $5 million in jackpot payouts to players. GOS is the jackpot progressive system for all Carnival Corporation ships, including Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises. Launched in 2024, GOS is the next-generation game management system developed by the industry’s leading table game experts.
The hottest new game from Aristocrat Gaming, Phoenix Link, is now live on casino floors, with Yaamava’ Resort & Casino being the first in North America to offer the highly-anticipated game. As the next evolution of the international hit game, Dragon Link, Phoenix Link features player-favourite mechanics from top games with all-new themes, features and bonuses.
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