the state that started Las Vegas Style Gambling In New England –
Connecticut
Who knew thirty years ago the 2nd and 3rd largest casinos (based on casino space) in the western hemisphere would rise out of the woods in southeastern Connecticut.
Foxwoods started it all with a Bingo hall.
Tribal gaming began in 1986 with the opening of a high-stakes bingo parlor on the Mashantucket Pequot reservation, after a court ruled that state bingo regulations did not apply on the tribe’s sovereign land. The operation expanded to include table games in 1992, and slot machines in 1993.The Mohegan Tribe, having gained federal recognition in 1992, opened its casino in 1996.
Before that, horse racing and off-track betting had been legalized in 1971, and Jai alai and dog racing were added the following year. I still remember visiting Hartford Jai Alai and Plainfield Dog Track, which was only 10 minutes away from me at the time – the beginning of my gambling days.
Foxwoods Resort Casino
The numbers of these two casinos are staggering. But these days of competition from all directions has promoted changes since their best days. Less slots, more table games and more emphasis on non-gambling activities continue to be the norm these days, and CT’s tribal casinos are no exception.
Mohegan Sun Resort Casino, Uncasville, CT
| Foxwoods Resort Casino | Mohegan Sun Resort Casino | ||
| Hotel | FW HOTEL |
|
|
| Location |
|
Uncasville, CT | |
| # of Hotels | 4 | 2 | |
| Hotel Rooms | 2266 Rooms, Suites & Villas | 1600 Rooms & Suites | |
| Hotel Amenities | 3 pool areas, 2 Spas, Gyms | 2 pool areas, 2 Spas, Gyms | |
| Gambling | FW Gambling | MS Gambling | |
| Legal Gambling Age | 21 | 21 | |
| Casino Size | 323,376 sq/ft. 5 Casinos | 300,000+ sq/ft. 3 Casinos | |
| Smoke-Free Gaming | Designated on Casino Floor | Designated on Casino Floor | |
| Total # of Slots & VP | 4800 | 5000 | |
| Comped Alcoholic Drink? | Comped Drinks until 2:00AM | Comped Drinks until 2:00AM | |
| Table Games | Over 300 Tables – includes Baccarat, Mini-Baccarat, Blackjack, Caribean Stud, Roulette, Three Card Poker, Craps, Crazy 4 Poker, Spanish 21, Let It Ride, Pai Gow Poker, Pai Gow Tiles, ‘Money’ Wheel, Ultimate Texas Hold’Em, Mississippi Stud, Stadium Gaming | Over 300 Tables – includes Baccarat, Mini-Baccarat, Blackjack, Caribean Stud, Roulette, Three Card Poker, Craps, Crazy 4 Poker, Spanish 21, Let It Ride, Pai Gow Poker, Pai Gow Tiles, ‘Money’ Wheel, Ultimate Texas Hold’Em, Mississippi Stud, stadium gaming | |
| Poker Room | 147 Tables | 42 Tables | |
| Racebook | 200 seats, Simulcast Wagering, GH, HR, JA | 200+ seats, Simulcast Wagering, GH, HR, JA | |
| Rewards Club | FOXWOODS REWARDS 4 Levels – No affiliation to other casinos. / Tier Status is biannual | MOMENTUM – 5 Levels. Affiliated with Resorts (AC) & Mohegan Sun Poconos (PA) / Tier Status is biannual | |
| VIP Lounges | 2 | 3 + 1 for Soar Only | |
| Dining | FW Dining | MS Dining | |
| Food Options | 6 Fine Dining; 9 Casual; 18 Quick/Chain options | 4 Fine Dining; 12 Casual; 14 Quick/Chain options | |
| Buffet | Yes | Yes | |
| Bars | Nine | Ten | |
| Entertainment | FW Entertainment | MS Entertainment | |
| Venues | 5 Large Event Venues; 6 Live/DJ Club/Lounge Venues | 2 Large Event Venues; 9 Live/DJ Club/Lounge Venues | |
| Convention/ Meeting Space | 150,000 sq/ft Conference/Meeting Space | Over 275,000 sq/ft Conference/Meeting Space | |
| Other Entertainment Options | 4 Thrill Rides; Luxury Bowling Lanes; PGA designed Golf Course, Top Golf; TreeHouse Arcade; Mashantucket Pequot Museum Research Center | PGA designed Golf Course; 2 pool areas; Kids Quest; WNBA Basketball; NLL Lacrosse; Golf Course; Game On Entertainment Center | |
| Retail | 21 Retail Stores + Tanger Outlets (over 80 Stores) | 34 Retail Stores | |
| Owner | Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation | Mohegan Tribal Authority | |
| PARKING | 24/7 Free Parking – 4 Garages | 24/7 Free Parking – 3 Garages | |
| Hours of | 24/7 | 24/7 | |
| Operation |
It’s Friday. It’s the end of a whirl wind time in New England’s casino landscape that we see the effects of and evaluate in the next year. We will also be watching the rise of not one, but possibly two more casinos by 2020. 
It’s time for the NETimeGambling Casino Awards for 2017 – our annual look at the best in New England. Thanks for your help in voting. And now, the Winners: