State Gaming Commission Votes To Temporarily Close Casino Properties

In response to the coronavirus, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission unanimously voted to temporarily suspend the operation of the state's three casino properties. Encore Boston Harbor, Plainridge Park Casino, and MGM Springfield, all will temporarily close down, according to the statement released from the commission Saturday.

"As we all continue to navigate this unprecedented and rapidly evolving situation, our agency and our licensees will remain in close consultation with public health authorities and government officials to determine safe protocols for resuming operation," the commission said in the statement.

The gaming commission plans to reassess the whether or not to resume operations in two weeks. As of Saturday afternoon, gaming floors are anticipated to close to patrons at 5:59 a.m. Sunday, March 15.

"United in a shared goal of preventing the spread of infection," the commission stated, "the MGC and our licensees view this immediate mitigation measure as our social responsibility to prioritize the health and safety of one another above all else."