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Date: 2/8/2022
SPRINGFIELD – MGM Springfield temporarily closed their doors roughly two years ago as the pandemic surged across the country. While COVID-19 remains a factor in everyday life, President of MGM Springfield Chris Kelley expressed encouragement with the casino’s growth during a Casino Oversight meeting on Jan. 24.
Kelley and the MGM management team spoke to Ward 2 Councilor Michael Fenton’s committee about the casino, highlighting the organization as an enterprise finding its stride amidst the effects of COVID-19. Kelley, who was appointed president of the Springfield location in January 2020, expressed excitement with his role as a former local who returned to the area after 25 years.
“The opportunity to come back and be a part of this project was in many aspects a dream come true,” said Kelley. He showcased a presentation detailing MGM’s continual progress. The fourth quarter marked several returns to normalcy for MGM, with the casino being the first in the state to reopen their poker games in October while also returning to 24/7 operation in December, according to Kelley.
The return of key elements continues to aid MGM Springfield in its economic recovery. According to Massachusetts Gaming Commission reports, the casino experienced growth in November and December, with November’s table game revenue of $5.7 million serving as the casino’s best table game numbers since October 2019. Both months generated roughly $5.5 million in tax revenue, according to the Gaming Commission report.
Kelley shared that MGM continues to be proactive with its contributions to the city. After providing $23 million in 2019 and 2020 respectively, the casino raised their payment to $24 million in 2021. MGM boasts a running total of $83 million in payments to the city since opening their doors in 2018, according to Kelley.
Charitable endeavors also remain a central crux of MGM Springfield’s mission. “This company is extraordinarily committed with engaging in the communities we live in …Challenges have a way of uniting the community,” said Kelley.
During the fourth quarter of 2021, the casino provided $60,000 in community grants, dividing the contributions between the Boys & Girls Club of Springfield, Dress for Success, Link to Libraries and YWCA of Western Mass. The organization also participated in a food drive for Springfield’s Open Pantry and a Toys for Tots toy drive for the holidays, according to Kelley.
Looking forward, Kelley aspires for 2022 to represent more growth for casino, including the addition of more events to bolster MGM Springfield’s live entertainment options.