With the pandemic, many casinos, including the Encore Boston Harbor and MGM Springfield, were forced to temporarily close table games including poker.  Since those restrictions have been lifted, both of the MA-based casinos have decided to keep their poker rooms closed.

The primary goals of the casinos were to increase tax revenue for the state and to provide entertainment for the state's residents and visitors.  The major reason that many of us were in support of the two MA casinos, despite increased traffic and other concerns, was because they would be offering live poker.

Based on recent updates, it seems that neither casino plans to reopen their poker rooms this year, or potentially ever.  Some have speculated several reasons for this (a labor shortage, the casinos waiting to see if they'll be approved to have a sportsbook, etc.).  Regardless, many poker rooms across the country, including those in NH and CT, have reopened.

So please support this petition to have the MA-based casinos reopen their poker rooms as soon as possible!!