SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The state’s three casinos took in around $5 million less in sports wagers in March than they did in February, before online sportsbooks opened to Massachusetts bettors.  

The state’s gaming commission reported the online businesses took in almost $550 million in sports bets last month compared a little less than $20 million at in-person, retail locations.

Boston-based DraftKings led the way with more than $257 million in wagers during March. In comparison, MGM Springfield took in $1.6 million during the same time period.

"Yeah I was stunned that it was that high," said Robert Westerfield, MGM's vice president of Casino Operations. "Yes, yes, absolutely, but we did expect it to be high. I mean it's simple. You're on your phone. You're at your house. You're home. You're on the road. It's a lot easier to make those spur of the moment choices."

Westerfield said there’s plenty of value gamblers can get from the in-person experience.

"But when you want to come in, study a little bit, watch the game, maybe do a little more than just watch the game, play a little craps, a little blackjack, get something to drink, that's what separates us from the mobile," Westerfield said.

Despite the challenges of competing with mobile sports betting, Westerfield said MGM Springfield is still seeing a lot of success.

"If you look back to as far as March Madness, online was up and running then and you couldn't get a seat in here," he said. "I couldn't squeeze you in here with a shoe horn. I mean it was that packed and online was up and running then, so while it does take some of the business away, there's still a good piece that enjoys the property and everything else that we have to offer."

MGM Springfield did hold onto a higher percentage of revenue from its wagers than DraftKings did in March and Westerfield said he expects the state’s casinos to continue to grow in revenue as more people become accustomed to having legal sports betting.