The gaming commission issued its second casino based sports betting license this week but not until after acknowledging complaints from community members about unfulfilled promises by the bet takers.
“We have received a number of public comments from members of the Springfield community relative to MGM Springfield compliance with its host community agreement,” Commission Chair Cathy Judd-Stein said Monday.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s meeting was their second attempt at considering the Category 1 sports betting license application filed by the Springfield Casino. Regulators, during their first consideration of MGM’s license, had expressed concern over the application’s many references to the company’s mobile betting partner, BetMGM.
The commission considered BetMGM’s application last week but didn’t approve it, deciding instead to hear from representatives of both company’s Monday.
Judd-Stein began the meeting by noting that representatives of Springfield were not happy with the casino’s apparently unfulfilled promises — and legal obligations — regarding employment and diversity as part of their host community agreement, but also made clear the commission would need to keep their focus narrowed to the matter at hand.
“That agreement was executed as part of the casino licensing process and adherence to the terms of the host community agreement or condition of licensure under Chapter 23K. However, that matter is not directly before the commission today as we review the application which has been submitted for a license under Chapter 23N for sports wagering,” Judd-Stein said.
Springfield state Rep. Bud Williams, once a member of that city’s council, was blunt in his criticism of the casino.
“I share the community’s disappointment with MGM. From their overall performance in comparison to what was promised from day one of the opening dates, to the actual workforce hired, projected revenues, minority participation, redevelopment of certain buildings, and qualified management at the Springfield site by the parent company. What we have is NOT what was promised,” he said last week.
Still, after half-a-day’s negotiations with lawyers representing the casino Monday, their license to take bets on professional and some college sports was approved by the commission unanimously.
“Thank you to the entire commission. As has been referenced on the calendar, it’s aptly timed for the gift of this decision, what it means to the city, what it means to the community and what it will ultimately mean to the state,” MGM Springfield President Chris Kelley said.
Herald wire services contributed.