MGM Resorts International was officially granted a license by the Massachusetts Games Commission on Thursday to operate a casino resort in downtown Springfield. The license is effective today, MGM Resorts said in a statement.

In June, the Massachusetts Game Commission signed a deal to license MGM Resorts following the results of a vote to repeal the Massachusetts Game Resort Permit Act of 2011. On Tuesday, voters in Massachusetts decided to keep gaming laws in place, allowing the project to proceed.

“We are grateful to voters, especially the people of Springfield, who voted for jobs and economic opportunities,” MGM Resorts Chairman and Chief Executive James Muren said in a statement.

MGM Resorts said it will pay the Massachusetts Gaming Commission a license fee of $85 million on November 17.

The company controls Macao-based gaming operator MGM China Holdings Ltd.

MGM Resorts immediately began preparations for the Springfield site on Wednesday ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony in the spring of 2015. 안전한 카지노사이트

With an investment of $800 million, MGM Springfield will have 3,000 slot machines, 75 game tables, a poker room, and a VIP gambling center in its 125,000 sq ft (11,613 sq m) gaming space. It will also feature a 250-room hotel on the 25th floor and about 55,000 sq ft of retail and restaurant space.

In addition, MGM Resorts plans to develop a dining, retail and entertainment district with an eight-screen cinema, bowling alley and outdoor stage in collaboration with a third party.