SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — Construction is about to begin for what likely will be the first full-scale resort casino to open in Massachusetts.
A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled in Springfield on Tuesday for the $800 million casino that will be operated by MGM Resorts International. The facility will occupy a 14.5-acre site in Springfield’s South End that was heavily damaged in a tornado nearly four years ago.
The casino is expected to open in 2017.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission awarded MGM the state’s western Massachusetts resort casino license last year. Wynn Resorts was later awarded the sole Boston-area license but has not yet begun construction in Everett.
A slots-only facility at the Plainridge racetrack in Plainville is expected to open in June.
