Massachusetts casino gaming continues to struggle due to the effects of Covid-19. Gaming revenues slumped year over year in December, 2020, restricted by reduced operating hours and capacity limitations.

The state’s three casinos, Wynn Resorts’ Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Resorts’ MGM Springfield, and Penn National’s Plainridge Park, reported $49.8 million in revenue for the month, dropping 40.1% from 2019 levels, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission notes. Encore led the way with $29.3 million, Springfield following in second with $11.4 million, and the slots only Plainridge Park saw $9.2 million.

That totaled for nearly $15 million in tax revenue for the state. Encore and Springfield each were taxed at 25% of their Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), while Plainridge was taxed at a higher, 49% rate. That led the slots only facility to contribute more in taxes than Springfield, bringing in $4.94 million to the state.

The significant drop from 2019 revenues can equally be blamed on Covid-19 restrictions and deflated customer visitation. The casinos must close at 9:30pm since new restrictions were put in place in November, and a max capacity of 25% started on December 26, expected to be in effect until atleast January 24.