If you’re planning on a weekend of trying your luck at the casino, what destination would you have in mind? The bright lights and non-stop action of Las Vegas? The somewhat more reserved if down-at-heel Atlantic City? How about the charm, history and beauty of Massachusetts?
You can be forgiven if the latter option caused you to give a double-take. But since legalizing land-based casinos a little over a decade ago, The Bay State has slowly but surely become a magnet for discerning gamblers who enjoy the facilities of modern supercasinos without the attendant noise and bluster of the traditional casino resorts.
The move to cyberspace
Of course in the current age, discussion is more commonly around online gambling. Massachusetts was the third US state this year to legalize online sports betting, but did not extend this to casinos. However, residents and visitors have access to a good selection of MA legal online casinos to play that are based offshore and that US casino players can use regardless of their location. These provide the ideal practice ground for trying out the games that are waiting at the following popular land-based casinos in Massachusetts.
The Encore, Boston
Boston Harbor has undergone an incredible transformation from the ugly dereliction and polluted waters of the 1980s to the prime tourist attraction that we see today. At the center of the action is the Encore, comprising shopping, fine dining, five-star accommodation and not least a casino boasting more than 2,700 slots and almost 200 table games. 3:2 blackjack at $25 stakes makes the Encore accessible to those on a modest budget, while private gambling rooms cater to Boston’s high rollers. There really is something for everyone at the Encore.
The Plainridge Park, Plainville
Situated approximately mid-way between Boston and Providence, Plainridge Park hosts harness racing most weekends between April and November. There is also a slots parlor with a choice of 1,500 slot games and showing harness racing simulcasts from across the country every day.
The difference between a slots parlor and a casino, in case you were wondering, is that there are no table games in the literal sense. However, you can still play blackjack, roulette, baccarat and poker on electronic terminals. There are also more than 1500 slot games.
The MGM, Springfield
Taking after its namesake on the Las Vegas strip, the MGM is the largest casino in all of Massachusetts. Inside you will find an awe-inspiring casino floor that seems to go on forever and contains a fabulous variety of more than 2,500 games. As well as 1,500 slots, roulette, blackjack 3-card poker, 4-card poker, pontoon and Let it Ride, there is a luxury poker room. This has several tables that cater to everyone, from beginners to budding WSOP champions, so don’t be too shy to give it a try.
If you haven’t got the car keys, you can take full advantage of the free drinks that the casino ensures keep flowing till 4AM long as the gamblers keep gambling.
