MGM Resorts International can now rest easy in Massachusetts. A background investigation conducted by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to determine MGM’s suitability came out roses for the casino company after investigators from the commission found no irregularities that would disqualify the MGM from building and operating its proposed resort and casino in Springfield, Massachusetts.
At least that part’s been cleared. All that’s left is to get the suitability nod from a five-person commission, likely to take place later this week or as late as next week.
But for now, MGM can let out a sigh of relief knowing that its company, Blue Tarp reDevelopment, LLC, was deemed viable and suitable by commission investigators, paving the way for it to do business in Springfield. A point of order: Blue Tarp reDevelopment is 99 percent owned by MGM Resorts International and 1 percent owned by Paul C. Picknelly, president of Monarch Enterprises.
While this hurdle has been cleared, MGM still has a ways to go before it can win that casino license in Western Massachusetts. It won’t have to worry about competition because other companies vying for that one license in the area – Mohegan Sun in Palmer and Hard Rock International in West Springfield – have all fallen by the wayside.
So it’s MGM’s license to win – or lose.
The aforementioned suitability decision by the Gaming Commission is expected to be made no later than next week. From there, the proposed casino site in Springfield must be vetted by the commission and the site plan for that is due on December 31.
At that point, it becomes a waiting game for MGM to see if it will be awarded that highly coveted casino license. A decision on that isn’t expected until April so its four months worth of baited breath and anticipation.
