Blackjack players have filed a class action lawsuit against MGM Springfield in Massachusetts, saying it’s paying less than state regulations permit on winning hands at some tables.
The lawsuit, filed last week in Hampden Superior Court, echoes a similar suit filed recently against Wynn Resorts’ Encore Boston Harbor.
MGM Springfield denies the allegations and said it follows state regulations on the payouts. “We comply with all Massachusetts Gaming Commission regulations and feel confident that this lawsuit will be found to have no merit,” said MGM Springfield spokesman Saverio Mancini.
The lawsuit alleges that the casino paid customers odds of 6-to-5 when a player was dealt a blackjack. According to Massachusetts Gaming Commission rules, winning bets pay out 1-to-1 unless the player is dealt a blackjack, in which case the winning bets is paid out at odds of 3-to-2 or odds of 6-to-5. The odds are posted at each table.
In response to the suit against Encore, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission investigation and Enforcement Bureau issued a memo July 18 explaining the two different blackjack variations and it included photos of the odds on the blackjack table.
Elaine Driscoll, spokeswoman for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, told MassLive.com that the commission is aware of the lawsuit and is determining the next steps.
