The City of Springfield in Massachusetts is going to investigate potential links between drunk driving and the local casino. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) is contributing funds to help with the research, with $191,200 going toward running a qualitative study.

people visit the MGM Springfield casino resort from other towns and states

Many people visit the MGM Springfield casino resort from other towns and states. A 2022 study from an MGC crime analyst found an uptick in crashes involving people who were under the influence of alcohol on highways close to the state’s three commercial casinos.

Upon the completion of the study, the Springfield Health and Human Services Department will put together mitigation strategies, intervention protocols, or educational campaigns to help combat the issue. The deadline for the completion of the research is June 30, 2024.