And for casinos, that’s the point: revenue. So Diaz has contributed hundreds, maybe thousands, of dollars to MGM Springfield’s bottom line. 'But instead of getting the money, I’m giving the money away.'ĭiaz said he visits the casino every other week, and spends about $100 each time at the slots. 'Yeah, I gamble a little bit, trying to get some money,' he said. His town was hard hit, and now he lives a short walk from MGM. Jimmy Diaz moved to Springfield from Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. But it’s been hard to brag about gambling revenue. (Don Treeger/The Republican/)Īs MGM executives celebrated the first anniversary of their casino in Springfield, Massachusetts, this month, they touted visitor numbers, jobs for city residents and the big investment downtown.