Plainridge Park Casino: Plainridge Park Casino, located in Plainville, Massachusetts, holds a unique position in the state’s gaming landscape. As the first and only slots parlor in Massachusetts, it marks a key development in the state’s foray into legal casino gaming. Since its opening in 2015, the casino has grown into a vital entertainment and revenue-generating hub in the region.
This article provides an in-depth look into the ownership, management, and operational structure of Plainridge Park Casino.
Background and Introduction
What is Plainridge Park Casino?
- Location: Plainville, Massachusetts
- Type of Facility: Slot parlor with live harness racing
- Opening Date: June 24, 2015
- License: Category 2 (slots-only) gaming license
- Gaming Machines: Over 1,200 slot machines
- Additional Offerings: Harness racing track, dining, and live entertainment
Ownership Structure
The casino is owned and operated by Penn Entertainment, Inc., a leading American operator of gaming and racing facilities. It was previously known as Penn National Gaming, rebranded as Penn Entertainment in 2022 to reflect its broader focus on digital and interactive gaming.
Table 1: Ownership Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Owner | Penn Entertainment, Inc. |
| Stock Ticker | NASDAQ: PENN |
| Ownership Model | Publicly traded corporation |
| Headquarters | Wyomissing, Pennsylvania |
| Casino License Holder | Penn Plainville Racecourse, LLC |
| Massachusetts License | Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) |
Penn Entertainment operates the property through its local subsidiary, Penn Plainville Racecourse, LLC, which holds the gaming license issued by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
History of Ownership and Licensing
When Massachusetts passed the Expanded Gaming Act in 2011, it opened the door for three full-scale resort casinos and one slots-only facility. Penn National Gaming (now Penn Entertainment) was awarded the state’s only Category 2 license for Plainridge Park Casino in 2014.
This victory was largely attributed to Penn’s strong proposal that combined slot gaming with a revitalization of the existing Plainridge Racecourse, ensuring that the harness racing industry remained viable.
Operations and Management
Plainridge Park Casino is operated directly by Penn Entertainment. It is part of the company’s extensive portfolio, which includes more than 40 properties across 20 states.
Table 2: Operational Highlights
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Gaming Operations | Slot machines (no table games) |
| Number of Slot Machines | ~1,200 |
| Racing Operations | Seasonal live harness racing |
| On-site Dining | Several restaurants, including Flutie’s Sports Pub |
| Entertainment | Live music, special events |
| Rewards Program | PENN Play (formerly mychoice) |
General Manager: The casino is managed by a general manager appointed by Penn Entertainment, with support from corporate leadership in marketing, compliance, and operations.
Financial Performance
Since its opening, Plainridge Park Casino has become a consistent revenue contributor, both to Penn Entertainment and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. As a slots-only facility, it contributes 49% of its gross gaming revenue (GGR) to the state.
Table 3: Sample Financial Overview (Estimated)
| Year | Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) | Taxes Paid to MA | Net Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $82 million | $40 million | $42 million |
| 2021 | $139 million | $68 million | $71 million |
| 2022 | $145 million | $71 million | $74 million |
| 2023 | $135 million | $66 million | $69 million |
Note: Figures are estimates based on Massachusetts Gaming Commission public data and company financials. Actuals may vary slightly.
Regulation and Oversight
Plainridge Park Casino operates under strict oversight from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC), which monitors compliance, responsible gaming initiatives, financial reporting, and ethical standards. The MGC also oversees the live racing operations at the track.
Table 4: Regulatory Bodies Involved
| Regulating Body | Role |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts Gaming Commission | Licensing, auditing, enforcement, responsible gaming |
| MA State Racing Commission | Oversight of harness racing activities |
| Internal Revenue Service (IRS) | Tax compliance and reporting |
| Local Fire and Health Officials | Safety inspections |
Relationship with the Local Community
Penn Entertainment has made significant efforts to establish strong community ties in Plainville and the surrounding areas. These include:
- Local hiring initiatives
- Contributions to community programs and non-profits
- Support for local businesses and vendors
- Maintaining live harness racing jobs and infrastructure
Digital Expansion and Future Plans
Penn Entertainment is also actively expanding into digital gaming. The company previously partnered with Barstool Sports to create an online sportsbook and casino app (though it has since divested from Barstool and launched ESPN BET in collaboration with ESPN).
While Plainridge Park Casino itself does not offer online gambling, it may benefit from Penn’s broader online gambling ecosystem in the future, especially if Massachusetts expands iGaming laws.
