Gambling revenues continue to rise at Massachusetts’ casinos

BOSTON — Massachusetts’ casino industry continues to rebound after being shut down during the early months of the coronavirus pandemic.

The state Gaming Commission this week reported the state’s three casinos — Plainridge Park, MGM Springfield, and Encore Boston Harbor — generated nearly $87 million in total gambling revenues in May, which translated to about $25 million in state taxes. That’s up from roughly $85 million in gross gambling revenues reported by the facilities in April.

Massachusetts imposes a 25% tax on gambling revenues at MGM and Encore and 49% at Plainridge Park, which is a slots parlor and harness racing track in Plainville.

Encore, which is located in the Boston suburb of Everett, led the way with $53 million in revenues for the month, followed by MGM, which posted $21 million. Plainridge Park reported about $12.5 million in gambling revenues in May.

The facilities were shuttered last spring as the pandemic set in, but capacity limits and other state restrictions have been easing as Massachusetts slowly emerges from the public health crisis and more people get vaccinated.

The casinos were operating under several federal restrictions until the end of last month when the state lifted its remaining regulations that were aimed to slow the spread of COVID-19 over the Memorial Day weekend.