Joan Vennochi, a columnist for the Boston Globe, wrote an eye-opening piece on Jan. When two very smart guys I know send me the same story, I know something is important. I understand if the operating details of its most eastern outpost may not get the scrutiny as other properties, but how MGM does in Springfield is truly important to Western Massachusetts residents. MGM is a massive company with many properties across the country. That is not of benefit to the casino, especially with other casinos in the state and not too far away in Connecticut.

If people visit MGM and see these closings and other vestiges of the coronavirus pandemic, they could assume there are still problems. These are all good, but they are not enough. Yes, the casino has revived the comedy club, a new coffee bar has been opened and Agawam’s Macho Taco now is serving in the food court. The poker room is still running at half capacity. The best bar in the complex – the Lobby Bar – is also still shuttered. The Indian Motorcycle shop has not reopened and the former Spiritualist Church where Kringle Candle was located is also still closed. Why? Is the casino not offering adequate rates of pay for the job? Not all of the casino’s eateries are fully open at this point and is staffing the only reason? The reason given was there were not enough servers on duty. The place had many open tables but we were told there was a half-hour wait.

My wife and I wanted to eat at TAP one recent Sunday afternoon. So why not reopen the multiple entrances? That was one of the major design elements of the casino. I understand with the coronavirus pandemic they wanted to make sure everyone was wearing a mask and to ensure that all patrons had to wear a mask and go through a checkpoint. The casino still has one basic entrance open, with other entrances closed. I have been increasingly concerned, though, that while revenues are at or reaching the pre-coronavirus pandemic era – MGM Springfield grossed $22 million in November 2022, the most recent released figure – too many of the amenities are still not fully operational. I want the casino to succeed as the jobs and revenue it brings to the area are sorely needed. There were statements made that simply needed questioning. I’ve never hated MGM nor have I ever hated the idea of a casino for Western Massachusetts much less for Springfield. When MGM Springfield was being built, a public relations person for the gaming giant called me after I wrote a story about security at the casino – not yet open – and asked me “Why do you hate MGM?”

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