Page 5 - F&E Blue Spring 2018

implementation of the Commonwealth’s first and over 150 arrests and sought over 100 criminal
only gaming application and licensing software,
which is an ongoing process with upgrades and
improvements towards a full rollout for the
opening of MGM Springfield on August 24, 2018.
Plainridge Park Casino and Racecourse
in Plainville opened in June of 2015 and is
the first casino in Massachusetts consisting of
approximately 1,250 slot machines and electronic
table games. Standardbred horse racing, or
harness racing, which existed at this location for
years, continues to operate on site from April
through November. Simulcast racing is also in
operation year round. Other amenities include
restaurants, a fast food court, a center bar
with live music, and retail space. The Gaming
Enforcement Unit is on site 24/7 and is comprised
of a cooperative task force model consisting
of eleven sworn Massachusetts State Police
troopers, led by Officer-in-Charge Lieutenant
Michael Scanlan, and two Plainville Police
detectives. Troopers and detectives are on the
floor of the casino and throughout the gaming
establishment enforcing the laws and regulations
on a daily basis. Charged with all policing matters Taccini and two troopers. The unit polices racing
at Plainridge Park Casino, the GEU works daily to
integrate surveillance, security, and policing to
provide a safe and secure gaming environment
for the public.
Since June of 2015, the GEU has made
F r en c h·a n d·E le c t r ic·B l ue·S p r in g 2018·p a g e·5
complaints for offenses including money
laundering, counterfeiting, larceny, assault and
battery, domestic assault and battery, weapons
and firearms offenses, narcotics possession,
distribution and trafficking, operating under the
influence, misdemeanor and felony warrants, and
various motor vehicle offenses. Since opening,
investigations conducted by the GEU have led to
the seizure of over $125,000 in suspected money
laundering proceeds.
Working cooperatively
with gaming agents, who are the
regulatory investigators for the
Gaming Commission, casino security
and surveillance staff, the GEU has
maintained an incredibly high solve
rate and evidence recovery for all
criminal activity occurring within
the gaming establishment since its
opening.
The unit works closely with
the Gaming Enforcement Division
(“GED”) of the Office of the Attorney
General. The GEU and the GED, along
with prosecutors from the AGO,
coordinate efforts on criminal matters involving
gaming related investigations.
The GEU also routinely works with agents
from the Alcohol Beverage Control Commission
(ABCC) on alcohol and identification matters on-
site as well as with U.S. Secret Service agents
regarding counterfeit money investigations.
Investigative and intelligence efforts are further
coordinated with law enforcement and casino
investigative personnel throughout the region and
the casino industry.
The Racing Unit is also located on the
Plainridge Park Casino grounds and is currently
composed of Officer in Charge Sergeant Mark
matters at Plainridge as well as during designated
racing dates at Suffolk Downs in Boston/Revere.
Duties also include conducting backgrounds on all
owners, trainers, drivers/jockeys, and employees
engaged in the sport and who must be properly
vetted and licensed to participate. Troopers work