Gambling Regulators Probe MGM On Springfield Casino Redesign

State gambling regulators are questioning MGM officials about their proposed redesign of the company's Springfield casino.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is holding a hearing Thursday on MGM's proposal to eliminate a 25-story hotel and residential apartments from the $800 million project.

MGM still plans to build a 250-room hotel, but in a six-floor building located where the apartments would have been.

Commission members are also expected to weigh whether to move forward with the state's third and final casino license.

That discussion comes after last week's surprise news that the federal government is placing 151 acres into trust for the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe, which wants to build a $500 million casino in Taunton.

The commission is considering a proposal for a casino in Brockton, just 20 miles from Taunton.