Regulators Begin Process To Award State’s First Casino License

State gambling regulators are beginning their final review of a proposed $800 million MGM casino in downtown Springfield that is in line to become Massachusetts' first licensed casino.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is holding four meetings in Springfield and Boston starting Tuesday and leading to Friday's expected final award of the casino license, one of up to three authorized under the state's 2011 gambling law.

Commission Chairman Stephen Crosby says the five-member panel will spend at least all day Tuesday presenting the findings from their review of MGM's 236-page license application.

The commission should begin formal deliberations some time Wednesday with the goal of reaching an agreement, at least in principle, on possible terms and conditions of the license.

Tuesday's review begins with a look at the proposed casino's site design.