Casino receives civil administrative penalty for multiple underage violations

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has issued a $100,000 fine to MGM Springfield for repeated noncompliance with provisions designed to protect and prevent underage persons from wagering or being in the gaming area and from consuming alcohol on the premises of the gaming establishment.

In accordance with the gaming law, MGC’s Investigations and Enforcement Bureau (IEB) has assessed MGM Springfield with a civil administrative penalty in the agreed-upon amount of $100,000 for multiple underage violations.

In October 2018, the IEB formally notified the casino of 22 documented incidents involving underage persons on the casino floor between August 24, 2018 and October 24, 2018.

After the IEB’s October notification, there were eight additional incidents involving 11 underage persons between November 22 and December 2, 2018, where persons under the age of 21 either gambled or consumed alcohol at the casino.

The IEB continued to closely monitor MGM’s efforts to prevent underage persons from entering the gaming area. In December 2018, the MGC required that MGM Springfield close the crosswalk across the gaming area to underage persons, limiting them to the outside perimeter of the gaming area.

From December 3, 2018 to April 23, 2019, the IEB documented 14 incidents involving 19 underage persons who were present and/or gaming on the casino’s gaming floor, resulting in a $100,000 fine.

IEB Director Karen Wells said, “The gaming law places a high priority on the protection of minors and underage individuals. MGC will continue to hold licensees to a high standard of compliance to protect the integrity of the gaming establishments.”

The IEB is requiring MGM Springfield to submit a detailed security plan outlining immediate measures for improved compliance. The IEB further notes that MGM Springfield has fully cooperated with regulators throughout this process and is taking proactive steps to remedy this matter, including enhanced measures for managing the security department and additional training on regulatory compliance for all security employees.

By agreeing to the administrative penalty, MGM Springfield waived its rights to an adjudicatory hearing on this matter.

The MGC would like to take this opportunity to provide the public with a few important reminders:

• Minors under the age of 21 are restricted by law from being in the gaming area. Children under the age of 16 must not be left unattended on casino property at any time.
• If you are going to the casino resort as a family to enjoy some of its entertainment offerings, then you should plan to enjoy that time as a family. If you are headed to the casino to gamble, then you should refrain from bringing your children to the property.
• The gaming law requires casino licensees to establish protocols and internal controls to ensure the protection of minors. Commission regulations require that casinos comply with those established protections and protocols.
• Licensees are expected to take the appropriate steps to protect minors and prevent parents from leaving children unattended. The licensees implement a variety of preventive measures including: educating patrons via property signage and other outreach about what is expected and required by law. Casino employees receive training on this issue and are required to follow specific protocols.
• Casino security coordinates closely with state and local law enforcement and is required to immediately report incidents of unattended minors to the proper authorities. Local and state police are assigned to the casino properties 24/7.