Shrinking Cities & Casinos: Why MGM Resorts International Found a Home in Springfield, MA

Resort casino developments promise broad economic benefits and development outcomes for host communities. Springfield, MA is a city that has recently adopted a resort casino development plan. The city intends to leverage an agreement with MGM Resorts International for various infrastructure and financial benefits. This thesis offers context regarding Springfield's urban planning history and explains how a specific set of circumstances accelerated the development of a resort casino downtown despite traditional skepticism regarding casinos. The future MGM Springfield casino stands to economically benefit the city in the short-term but long-term benefits remain speculative.