Will You Go to the New Casino in Massachusetts? [OPINION]

This is the opening weekend of the first full resort-style casino in Massachusetts. MGM, a leader in destination entertainment, has opened in Springfield.

I'm not a gambler, but I will likely go out to experience the new MGM casino in Springfield. This is a huge development for the economy of Massachusetts and the states that surround that part of western Massachusetts. The MGM facility will draw in consumers from New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire and Connecticut, in addition to the home state folks.

The facility in Springfield is designed to be more than just a place for people to gamble. The proliferation of legal gambling operations has reduced the uniqueness of gambling. The profit margins are in gambling, but the need for the market share of the gaming consumer requires business like MGM to broaden their appeal.

MGM Springfield is bringing in comedy heavyweights like George Lopez, D.L. Hughley, and Cedric the Entertainer to western Mass. They have booked a musical icon, Stevie Wonder, to appear on September 1 at their casino.

The casino has numerous restaurants on its grounds to serve and attract customers. The Chandler Steakhouse is promising to raise the bar for carnivores with their aged steaks and fine cocktails. Their unique Top Golf restaurant allows year-round indoor golfing without the carts but with food and drinks and a controlled temperature.

The casino itself offers all of the games and contests available at any resort gambling facility.

The only thing I noticed they don't offer is a bus charter from the greater New Bedford area at this time.

I look forward to getting out to the new MGM Springfield casino, so I can report my personal observations back to you.

Chris McCarthy is the host of The Chris McCarthy Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Contact him at chris.mccarthy@townsquaremedia.com and follow him on Twitter @Chris_topher_Mc. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.