The US state of Massachusetts (6 attempts at getting that right) has taken its first steps to a regulated casino market with the opening of Plainridge Park Casino near to border with Rhode Island. Developed by Penn National Gaming, Plainridge is forecast to generate up to USD$200m in year one gaming revenues, and with almost USD$100m of that going to the state, it is not hard to see why Mass has approved the opening of their first casino!
With 1250 pokies on offer, the opening was attended by a very large and enthusiastic crowd, and came with all the glitz and glamour of a Vegas casino opening. With cars queuing on the highway to get into the parking lot, at one point it was reported that every pokie was in play. Quite some achievement for a day 1 casino. Whilst the facility is promoted as a “Slots parlour”, there are electronic versions of Blackjack and Roulette on offer, in addition to some of the most advanced video pokies around.
Gaming growth in the North East US is probably currently at the most aggressive rate since the opening of the Connecticut giants Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, both of which are located on Indian Reservations, and thus out of reach of most state taxes. MGM are currently building a USD$1billion resort in Springfield and Vegas casino mogul Steve Wynn is building a USD$1.7billion casino near Boston.
Penn National Gaming operates from Pennsylvania, and develops landbased casinos in addition to its embryonic online casino and social gaming business.