As 2019 draws to a close, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission would like to wish everyone a safe, healthy, and happy New Year.

The Commonwealth’s gaming industry experienced a dynamic and productive 2019. We will now enthusiastically embark on a busy 2020. We anticipate important milestones, including:

• The initial five-year term for Plainridge Park Casino’s license will conclude in June; this will require the MGC to conduct a regulatory and compliance review process.
• MGM Springfield will complete its second year of operations, and Encore Boston Harbor will complete its first full year of operations.
• We will continue to innovate and improve upon our responsible gaming initiatives, including the implementation of the electronic budgeting tool known as PlayMyWay at MGM and Encore in fall 2020.
• We will continue our groundbreaking research on casino impacts, including program evaluations.
• Standardbred Racing will continue at Plainridge Park Casino and is expected to include 110 days of live racing for the calendar year 2020.
• We will continue our efforts to maximize the industry’s economic benefits and diversity, convening and connecting licensees to the Commonwealth’s workforce and small business resources, and providing mitigation grants to leverage and supplement state and local workforce development programs.
• We will continue discussions related to Region C (Southeastern Massachusetts) and the receipt of public input to inform next steps.
• We will continue to closely monitor and evaluate developments that impact the gaming industry, including the possible legalization of sports betting in Massachusetts and legislative initiatives relevant to the future of thoroughbred racing and simulcasting.

As I reflect on the past year and my first as Commission Chair, I would like to thank the MGC staff for their remarkable accomplishments, professional response to any challenges we faced, and a steadfast dedication to our agency’s core principles and mission.

In 2020, we will continue to regulate in a manner that is fair, transparent, and participatory. As always, we will strive to ensure that our decision-making and regulatory systems engender the confidence of the public, licensees and key stakeholders. We are committed to maximizing the industry’s economic benefits, keeping unintended impacts to the barest minimum, and allowing an appropriate return on investment for licensees while assuring their highest quality operation.

To everyone, we wish to extend our warmest wishes for a joyful and prosperous 2020. We invite you to watch a short video featuring a few highlights from 2019: