The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) has issued a $18,000 fine to MGM Springfield for 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 $18,000 for three underage violations.

On December 25, 2020, December 31, 2020 and January 20, 2021, there were three incidents involving underage persons at MGM Springfield. MGM Springfield made timely notification of each instance to the IEB. In all three instances, individuals under the age of 21 were able to game on the floor and one individual was served an alcoholic beverage.

The IEB is requiring MGM Springfield to submit a plan for improved compliance, which shall address, at a minimum, additional training of security personnel and table games personnel with respect to underage persons and minors. The IEB notes that MGM Springfield has fully cooperated with regulators throughout this process and is taking proactive steps to remedy this matter.

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

“The MGC takes seriously our obligation to ensure the safety and well-being of underage persons and minors,” said Loretta Lillios, IEB Director. “We appreciate MGM Springfield’s commitment to taking all necessary steps to ensure that underage persons and minors do not access the gaming floor.”

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.