Springfield Sues MGM Casino for Breach of Host Agreement

The city of Springfield, Massachusetts, is suing MGM Springfield casino. The lawsuit was filed on September 3, 2024. Officials claim the company has not fulfilled its host agreement. They filed the lawsuit on Sept. 3. It targets MGM Resorts and Blue Tarp Redevelopment, the entity that operates the property. The city alleges the two companies didn’t meet obligations in the agreement. The suit pointed to employment levels, gaming floor size, and refurbishment of a building near the casino.

Under the agreement, the casino must house “no fewer than approximately 2,800-3,000 slot and video gaming machines, approximately 75-100 table games, including a poker room and a high-limit area and related support, security, and customer service facilities.” City officials say the property has fallen well short of that. “Blue Tarp has failed to operate the casino with the required number of slot and video gaming machines and table games,” according to the lawsuit. “The casino operates with approximately 1,600 slot and video gaming machines and approximately 50 table games.”

MGM Springfield opened in 2018 after reaching an agreement with the city in 2013. According to local media, the lawsuit comes amid media reports that the property’s owners may sell it. MGM officials claim they notified Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno in 2024 about a potential sale in the coming years. They contend the city is using the lawsuit to delay that move. MGM Springfield houses one of two poker rooms in the Bay State. The property boasts 16 tables and weekly tournaments.