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Springfield's bold move to curb drink-driving near MGM casino

A new campaign targets risky behavior after nights at MGM Springfield. Can public awareness and planning save lives on the road?

,   and  Administrator
2 min read
The image shows a poster with the text "The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act" written in bold,...
The image shows a poster with the text "The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act" written in bold, black font against a white background. The poster is framed by a thin black border, and the text is accompanied by a graphic of a person with their arms outstretched, symbolizing the act. The person is wearing a blue shirt and has a determined expression on their face, conveying a sense of strength and resilience.

Springfield's bold move to curb drink-driving near MGM casino

Springfield has launched a new campaign to cut down on drink-driving and risky behaviour linked to gambling at MGM Springfield. The initiative, called Springfield Safe Ride Home, encourages visitors to plan ahead for a safe journey after nights out. Local officials and health experts are backing the effort, which follows concerns over impaired driving in the area.

The campaign started in 2023 after a state report highlighted MGM Springfield as the second-most common 'last drink' location in Massachusetts between 2018 and 2020. A 2024 study of 548 casino patrons found worrying trends: 37% showed signs of risky driving, while 27% wrongly believed they could drive safely after three or more drinks.

Funded by the Community Mitigation Fund, the project is led by the Springfield Department of Health and Human Services (SDHHS) and the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health (MACGH). Marlene Warner, CEO of MACGH, explained that the goal is to help visitors set safer limits on drinking and gambling. The campaign also pushes people to arrange transport home before arriving at the casino. To spread the message, the city will use digital ads, social media, casino signs, and a billboard near I-91. Springfield's Health Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris and Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers have both voiced support, stressing the importance of public health and road safety. Mayor Domenic Sarno added that planning for a safe ride should be part of any night out. MGM Springfield opened in March 2023, and while recent jackpot winners have been reported, no data exists on how many have won since its launch. The campaign aims to reduce harm not just for gamblers but for the wider community affected by impaired driving.

The Springfield Safe Ride Home initiative will run across multiple platforms to reach residents and casino visitors. By promoting safer choices before, during, and after visits, the campaign seeks to lower the risks tied to drinking and gambling. Officials hope the effort will lead to fewer accidents and better-informed decisions among MGM Springfield patrons.

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