Massachusetts casinos will again be able to operate around the clock starting Monday.
MassLive reported Thursday that a 9:30 p.m. curfew, imposed by Gov. Charlie Baker’s administration on Nov. 6, will be lifted on that date. Wynn Resorts’ Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Resorts’ MGM Springfield, and Penn National’s Plainridge Park will be able to resume 24-hour a day operations.
A maximum 25% capacity, in place since Dec. 26, will remain in place through Feb. 8.
The curfew, which also applied to restaurants, bars, and other businesses, put a dent in gambling revenues. The three casinos combined for $49.8 million in gaming revenues in December, a decline of 40.1% from a year ago according to a report issued by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
During December, gaming revenue at Encore Boston Harbor was $29.3 million, a decline of 46% from a year ago; MGM Springfield had gaming revenue of $11.4 million, down 40%; and Plainridge Park’s gaming revenue of $9.2 million was a 10% decline.
Baker instituted the curfew in response to increases in COVID-19 cases in the state. The governor cited the stabilization of positive case rates and the availability of vaccine for rescinding the curfew.
“As a result, we believe it’s ok and it’s time to start gradually easing on the restrictions we put in place,” Baker told reporters on Thursday.
