There Are 972 Fewer Slots At Massachusetts Casinos Than Before COVID

The Massachusetts casinos collectively possessed a sum of 4,907 slot machines as of March 2025.

During Thursday’s meeting, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission disclosed that information.

In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic began, causing significant changes in business operations worldwide. This month, we commemorate the three-year milestone since the pandemic’s onset. At that time, Massachusetts casinos possessed a total of 5,879 slot machines, which is 972 more than their current count.

Tracking slot machine totals at MA casinos

Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino shut down for an extended period at the beginning of the pandemic. Upon their reopening in July 2020, they made a considerable reduction in their slot machine count, slashing it by 2,369 machines to a total of 3,510. This adjustment was necessary to adhere to social distancing measures and prioritize the safety of their valued customers.

In July 2022, the number of slot machines in Massachusetts casinos increased to 5,192. However, after eight months, this total has slightly decreased to accommodate the launch of retail sportsbooks on January 31.

The number of slot machines is highest at Encore Boston Harbor with 2,464, followed by MGM Springfield with 1,506 machines. Plainridge Park Casino comes in third with 937 machines.

Encore Boston Harbor currently boasts a total of 203 table games, which is an increase of 17 compared to March 2020. On the other hand, MGM Springfield has 48 table games, displaying a decrease of 31 from March 2020. Furthermore, EBH provides its guests with 24 poker tables, a decrease of 74 from March 2020, while MGM offers 14 poker tables, a decrease of 22 from March 2020.

In addition to its harness horse racetrack and simulcast facility, Plainridge Park Casino exclusively offers slot machines.

Other news on casinos in Massachusetts

In February, Massachusetts casinos generated $98 million in revenue, marking a 1.1% growth compared to January’s revenue of $96.9 million, even though January had three more days. This positive change could potentially be attributed to the introduction of retail sports betting at all three casinos on January 31, which likely contributed to increased customer visits.

Encore Boston Harbor intends to broaden its gambling offerings by establishing a fresh development opposite its current location. This expansion will encompass a supplementary sports betting area, a poker room, 20,000 square feet of restaurant space, a live entertainment venue and nightclub, a parking garage with a capacity of 2,200 spots, and a pedestrian bridge linking the new establishment to the existing casino resort.

As of now, there are no intentions to incorporate additional slot machines or table games into this expansion endeavor.