Major Redesign Focuses on Constituent Services and Offers New Features

Today the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) is excited to announce the launch of a new, mobile-enabled MassGaming.com website. The new site is designed to better meet the needs of a growing number of gaming constituents as the Commission prepares for the opening of the state’s two destination resort-casinos.

“In keeping with our strong commitment to being a transparent and progressive regulatory agency, the website’s enhanced design and mobile flexibility is intended to further modernize our procedures and, most importantly, provide a more efficient and valuable resource for our many gaming constituents.  We are proud to note that our highly trafficked website attracts visitors seeking a wide variety of information and key services ranging from an interest in casino jobs, gaming research, meeting archives, responsible gaming resources and more,” said MGC Chairman Steve Crosby. “Whether you are visiting our site to tune into the latest live stream, leave a public comment or learn more about job opportunities in the gaming industry, our goal is to create a virtual entryway that is welcoming, easy to navigate and an optimal use of government services.”

An analysis of the user-data and public survey responses provided a firm basis for design decisions and featured resources.  The new design also simplifies drop-down menu options in a more streamlined and efficient manner. This mobile-enabled platform is more intuitive and allows users to easily navigate the site from their preferred device.

MGC initially launched MassGaming.com in 2013 as a comprehensive and interactive online resource for the latest expanded gaming news, host and surrounding community information and other licensing updates. As the state’s gaming industry continues to evolve, so does MGC’s communication needs and priorities. The new site is now more reflective of the gaming industry’s current status and MGC’s advancing regulatory functions.

In preparation for the influx of thousands of casino job applicants, MGC has recently launched a new, streamlined License Management System (LMS) which allows applicants seeking registration or licensure to submit applications online, including from mobile devices. LMS also provides the casinos to track the status of their potential employees as they navigate the application process. This system will enhance the predictability of casino operations and expedite the Human Resources process. For MGC, The new LMS provides an enhanced capability to view, track and process applications in a highly efficient, secure and scalable environment.

Constituents and visitors are invited to explore the new website and its enhanced features, which include:

• KEY SERVICES: This first section provides quick access to MGC’s critical services and most visited areas of interest. Here constituents can easily access casino job listings, gross gaming revenue data, meeting archives, public notifications, the Gaming Act, table game rules, and racing information.
• GAMING EMPLOYEE LICENSING and REGISTRATION: The new LMS is featured prominently on the homepage. This newly enhanced system is mobile-enabled and more streamlined to provide casino job applicants with a more efficient and user-friendly experience.
• PROGRAM & INITIATIVES: This new section offers quick access to MGC programs and initiatives developed to support fundamental aspects of the agency’s work such as workforce development, responsible gaming, and regulatory compliance.
• RESEARCH: MGC has commissioned a robust, multi-year, first-of-its-kind research initiative that takes a comprehensive academic approach to understanding the social and economic impacts of expanded gaming. The new homepage will feature quick access to a complete and frequently updated archive of all gaming research reports available for review.

Additional features:

• TIMELINE: The website now features an interactive timeline that provides an expansive overview of key dates and milestones related to the implementation of the Gaming Act and the ongoing establishment of state’s gaming industry. The timeline is viewed in categories of interest such as horse racing, responsible gaming or by Regions A, B, and C.
• AT A GLANCE: This new section features fast facts about casino developments and gaming research.
• BREAKING NEWS ALERTS: MGC has added a breaking “News Alert” function to direct visitors’ attention to real-time information such as an in-progress live stream of an MGC public meeting.

MGC strives to set the industry standard for maximizing the use of available technology to enhance its overall efficiency and to serve constituents better. MGC continually aims to improve outreach and communications while also welcoming the public’s feedback. MGC urges the public to browse the new site – on either your desktop or mobile device- and email your thoughts to MGCcomments@state.ma.us.

MGC looks forward to connecting with you at MassGaming.com.

About MassGaming

The mission of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission is to create a fair, transparent, and participatory process for implementing the expanded gaming law passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor in November, 2011. In creating that process, the Commission will strive to ensure that its decision-making and regulatory systems engender the confidence of the public and participants, and that they provide the greatest possible economic development benefits and revenues to the people of the Commonwealth, reduce to the maximum extent possible the potentially negative or unintended consequences of the new legislation, and allow an appropriate return on investment for gaming providers that assures the operation of casino-resorts of the highest quality. For more information on MGC, please visit MassGaming.com or connect and share on Twitter (@MassGamingComm) or Facebook www.facebook.com/MAGamingComm.