The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) has issued regulatory approval for MGM Resorts Springfield public opening on August 24. Under the close observation of MGC staff, the new leisure facility successfully completed test play nights on August 16 and 20. MGC staff monitored and evaluated the practice events for strict adherence and compliance with state law and MGC’s internal control regulations.

MGC’s Investigations and Enforcement Bureau (IEB), the Information Technology Division (ITD) and the Finance Division worked together to supervise gaming systems and procedures to ensure the integrity of the games, compliance with regulations and overall adherence to Massachusetts’ strict gaming standards.

“As MGM Springfield prepares to open its doors, the MGC remains focused on ensuring that our policies and procedures protect the integrity of the industry and safeguard fair play for patrons,” said commissioner Bruce Stebbins, who observed the test nights and was delegated by fellow commissioners to issue opening approval. “I want to commend the dedication of the IEB, ITD, finance and all additional MGC staff for their commitment to the highest standards of regulatory compliance.”

At an August 2 public meeting in Springfield, the five-member Commission authorized the August test nights and determined that MGM Springfield demonstrated “material compliance” with the gaming law, commission regulations and the terms and conditions of its license. The MGC’s extensive review of the overall project acknowledged that MGM Springfield had met or exceeded requirements in areas including construction commitments, regional marketing and economic development, diversity, employee and vendor licensing, responsible gaming, and numerous other license obligations.

“Both the City of Springfield and the Massachusetts Gaming Commission set very high standards for this project. Our unique requirements included a commitment to local culture and history, promotion of regional tourist attractions, accessibility to non-gaming activities on-site, substantial mitigation payments to host and surrounding communities, a relentless commitment to diversity, and to local hiring and vendor utilization. MGM Springfield accepted the challenge and then raised it some more,” said chairman Steve Crosby.

He added: “I applaud MGC staff for their steadfast commitment to the successful implementation of our strong gaming law and the persistent and collaborative focus on maximum job creation and economic development while also taking a proactive approach to the minimization of unintended consequences.”

The Commission will issue MGM’s final operations certificate during a public meeting in September on a date to be determined.