Murren sets out vision for MGM Springfield

MGM’s CEO, James Murren, has confirmed that the company’s new casino in Springfield will employ 3,000 people and provide annual payments of $25m to the city and $60m to local businesses.

“I like being able to go into a community and make a difference. Boston’s doing great. I want to help western Massachusetts,” Murren stated, speaking at the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Breakfast Club event.

“I have a very different philosophy about integrated resorts than my competitors,” he explained. “I don’t believe an integrated resort is one where everything you need and want to do is within the boundaries of the resort.

“I think it should be a home base that supports small businesses and supports non-casino development and entertainment.”

Last month, MGM announced that its $960m MGM Springfield property in western Massachusetts will open on 24 August.

The casino portion of the development will feature 2,500 slot machines, 94 table games, and 23 poker tables.