Last month, the three commercial casinos in Massachusetts raised $87 million in gross gaming revenue. Comparing this number to February 2020, when gaming revenue halted at $85.8 million, we see that the commercial casinos have reached GGR higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Gaming Revenue in Massachusetts Surges in May
In a report released on Tuesday this week, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission unveiled what gross gaming revenue operators raised last month. According to the report, Plainridge Park Casino, MGM Springfield, and Encore Boston Harbor cumulatively generated $87 million in GGR. Despite the difficulties brought by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the three casinos in the state made a good profit, surpassing pre-pandemic results. In comparison, last year in February, just before the COVID-19 lockdown, the properties raised $85.8 million in GGR.
Will the Three Properties Improve Their Revenue Further This Month?
Last month, commercial casinos in Massachusetts were still operating under COVID-related restrictions. However, social distancing, the mandatory wearing of masks, as well as capacity limits did not stop the venues from generating GGR.
With that in mind, this month is likely to surpass the results from May, considering that the MGC announced the lifting of COVID-related restrictions as of May 29. The lifting of restrictions removed the previously mandatory social distancing and plexiglass spacers at table games. Furthermore, casino guests and employees who have been fully vaccinated do not need to wear masks anymore. Although some restrictions are now gone, the cleanliness of premises and safety of the visitors and employees remains a top priority for the operators.
The State Receives More Than $24M in Taxes in May
Focusing on revenue, we see that Encore Boston Harbor hit $52.9 million in GGR in May. From that total, table games revenue was responsible for $22.4 million, while slots raised $30.5 in GGR last month. Considering that the property is subject to 25% taxes, in May, Encore contributed $13.2 million in taxes to the state’s coffers.
On the other hand, MGM Springfield raised $21.3 million in GGR in May. While slots hit $17.2 million in revenue, table games raised $4 million in GGR. Similar to Encore, MGM’s property is subject to 25% taxes and paid $5.3 million in tax last month.
Slots-only Plainridge Park Casino raised $12.5 million in GGR in May. As a subject of 49% taxes, the property boosted Massachusetts’ state coffers with $6.1 million in tax last month. Overall, the three properties raised a total of $24.7 million in taxes last month.