“It’s a mix between profitability and consumer satisfaction. Westerfield said it’s not as simple as allowing bigger payouts. MGM retained 8.6 percent, and Plainridge took 7.6 percent. Encore last month kept about 5.6 percent of the money played in its machines, paying out the rest in winnings. The casinos also have the option of “loosening” up payouts on slots as a way of encouraging customers to play. For non-slot players, it constructed a “stadium gaming” area, where one dealer can serve a large group of players. MGM recently built some video poker machines into a bar - a move that has proved to be popular and added a massive “Shark Week” slots game with a huge video screen meant to draw customers’ attention. “It’s a very competitive space, and you have to stay on top of what the flavor of the week is, so to speak,” he said. Robert Westerfield, vice president of casino operations at MGM Springfield, said such changes are normal for a young casino in a tight market.
