Today the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) offers important information to potential job applicants as MGM Springfield seeks to fill thousands of open positions over the next several months. As part of an ongoing workforce development outreach and education effort, the MGC posted to its website a list of job positions that are now exempt from the state registration process as a result of a recent change to the gaming law.

In Fall 2017, the Massachusetts Legislature passed a statutory amendment to the Gaming Act which provided MGC the authority to exempt certain “Gaming Service Employee” level job positions (e.g., certain kitchen and restaurant, reception, maintenance, and office staff positions) from the mandatory registration process. With careful consideration of Commission criteria, MGC worked collaboratively with MGM Springfield to identify an appropriate list of job categories which resulted in 127 exemptions representing a total of more than 800 employees. While all MGM Springfield employees will undergo some level of background check, this recent update will allow greater eligibility for applicants interested in many of these newly posted positions.

View the list of exempt positions.

“We deeply appreciate the Legislature’s willingness to give the Commission authority to narrow the number of jobs for which casino job applicants would be automatically disqualified because of certain criminal convictions,” said MGC Chairman Steve Crosby. “The Legislature always intended that the casino law would serve to offer employment opportunities to the widest group of individuals, particularly underemployed and unemployed. This change makes hundreds of additional jobs accessible to all applicants, subject only to the employment standards of the casino operator.”

MGC is also providing job seekers with a comprehensive online list of the most ‘Frequently Asked Questions.’ Those interested in pursuing employment at MGM Springfield are encouraged to visit the MGC website to learn more about the state’s registration and licensing process.

MGC provides information and guidance to address the most often asked questions from job seekers:

• Do I have to get licensed by, or registered with, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to work at a casino?
• I have a criminal record. Is it possible to work at a casino?
• For job positions that do require licensure or registration, how do I apply to MGC
• Would a sealed or juvenile record be considered for a license or registration?
• What should I be thinking about as I complete the MGC licensing and registration application?

Visit the MGC’s FAQ page to learn more.

Recently MGM Springfield announced the availability of more than 1,000 jobs posted to the resort’s website. As one of the single largest hiring efforts in Springfield history, MGM Springfield will employ 3,000 employees when the luxury resort opens later this year in downtown Springfield.

MGM Springfield lists a wide range of available jobs opportunities, including food and beverage, locksmiths, electronics technicians, carpenters and painters. In addition, many postings represent positions not traditionally associated with the casino industry, ranging from human resources and retail management to conference services. A full list of jobs and detailed descriptions is available at www.mgmspringfield.com/careers.

“The easing of registration requirements by the MGC for selected service positions provides individual applicants with increased access to a broader range of career opportunities at MGM Springfield and positions them to compete on merit for these career positions. This decision is good for MGM, job seekers, families, and the community,” said David Cruise, President and CEO of the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County, Inc.

In preparation for the influx of thousands of casino job applicants, MGC developed a new, streamlined Licensing Management System (LMS) which allows applicants seeking registration or licensure to submit applications online, including from mobile devices.

“Our goal is to make the licensing and registration process as efficient and accessible as possible, said Paul Connelly, MGC Director of Licensing. “To that end, we have introduced an online Licensing Management System to accept and process applications. When individuals submit online, they will be able to check the status of their application, retrieve their license or registration certificate, and access their previously submitted applications.”