Massachusetts casinos return to 24-hour operations this week

Massachusetts casinos will return to 24-hour operations following the easing of restrictions announced by Gov. Charlie Baker on Thursday, per which businesses no longer must close by 9:30 p.m., though they still cannot exceed 25% capacity.

MGM Springfield plans to return to 24-hour operations on Friday, Jan. 29, Mass Live reports. The daily hours of operation at MGM Springfield have been from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. during the pandemic. Despite the longer hours, occupancy on the casino gaming floor will remain capped at 25%. That restriction will stay in place for at least another two weeks.

Casino amenities will reopen over time, but there is limited services at present. There is no hotel, movie theater nor spa. Food service is limited, with Chandler Steakhouse open only from 4 to 9:15 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. MGM Springfield has instituted a seven-point safety plan, which includes employee health checks, mask requirements, social distancing, enhanced sanitation and air quality controls.

The state’s other two resort casino properties — Encore Boston Harbor and Plainridge Park — will open for 24-hour operations on Wednesday, according to a statement from those properties.

Baker noted hospitalizations had decreased by 10 percent since peaking in early January, and the average positive test rate had fallen by 33 percent during the same time period. Those improvements gave the administration confidence to ease restrictions.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission usually meets as state regulations for business operating hours and capacity change to set specific rules for the state’s casinos, race tracks and off-track betting operations. There is no meeting on the Commission’s schedule.

Business at MGM Springfield and the other two resort casinos rebounded in December, generating about $50 million in gross gaming revenue in December 2020. The three casinos reported about $45 million in gross gambling revenue for the month of November.