With a new rival in the form of the $2.6 billion Encore Boston Harbor casino and potentially more competition in Connecticut, can the $960 million entertainment complex meant to revive a struggling region turn around its own fortunes?Ĭasino president Michael Mathis promises the gambling, hotel and entertainment complex is retooling for its second act, even as he and city leaders tout the resort’s success in spurring new economic investment, drawing millions of new visitors to downtown and employing thousands of city residents. And for some, the promised downtown revival has been underwhelming.
Aerosmith, New England Patriots cheerleaders and a five-tier birthday cake: Massachusetts’ first Las Vegas-style casino threw itself an indulgent birthday bash Saturday.īut one year after opening in western Massachusetts, MGM Springfield has underperformed its lofty revenue promises and has already shed hundreds of jobs.
