Then I went on to Saratoga, where we made a brief stop at their casino. Of course I don't gamble, but I was anxious to compare theirs with our casino in Springfield.
One important difference was that there were no gambling games such as poker. It was all just a giant slots parlor!
There were also a lot fewer dining choices in Saratoga than in Springfield. However, this subsidized diner called Lucky Joe's had good food at a very cheap price. There is little such subsidizing of meals in MGM Springfield, but you can earn yourself some kind of "points" at MGM that can be used to shave money off the cost of food. I think overall MGM Springfield has a better way of doing things since it allows for a wider range of dining choices. And frankly, despite the good food and cheap prices, Lucky Joe's had the feel of a fast food joint with pretentions.
Overall, I would say that Springfield has a much better casino than Saratoga has. The atmosphere is better and more lively, while also offering a wider range of things to do, places to eat and outside attractions. Unlike Springfield, the Saratoga casino is not linked to their downtown in any meaningful way.
As for the Springfield casino, it just finished celebrating its first year anniversary. Here is an end of the year report card.
Generating Income - B
The casino is generating only about two thirds of the revenue originally projected, suggesting that MGM may have oversold its potential. You mean a casino company may have exaggerated its income potential to help generate political support? I'm shocked, I tell you, simply shocked! But never mind. The $20-22 million pouring into the South End each month is $20-22 million more than it had coming in before.
Public and Political Relations - A
The casino has been a better fit with the city than critics such as myself predicted. The attempts by MGM to imbed itself as a real partner with the city have been largely successful, while their willingness to respect the historic nature of its setting has been outstanding. MGM also has been unobtrusive in the realm of local politics, with no hint of any political corruption, which is a sincere concern in a city with Springfield's long history of shady politics. The truth is MGM has proven to be a good neighbor.
Wider Economic Development - C
The casino has definitely attracted new businesses downtown, but not at anywhere near the rate hoped for. Still, every month seems to bring news of some additional downtown development not related to the casino. The pace is slow, but as long as there is still forward motion, it is hard to complain. Hopefully, each small step will ultimately combine to spark a wider renaissance.
So my overall verdict is this: The casino, while not everything it was advertised to be, has none the less been a good partner with Springfield and has put the downtown on a path toward economic expansion for the first time in many years. Be grateful.
Meanwhile, it is starting to look a lot like Fall upon the woodland way into downtown Northampton.
In Northampton, pedestrians like to hula-hoop across the street.
Finally, here is some comedic intensity from Massachusetts' own Bo Burnham.
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