Connecticut casinos post four pecent slot decrease

17 November 2009

MASHANTUCKET, England -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- Foxwoods Resort Casino and MGM Grand at Foxwoods today reported to the Connecticut State Division of Special Revenue that, for the month of October, slot revenue was $54.8 million. This amount represents a slight decrease of 4.0 percent in slot win and a decrease of 11.9 percent in total slot handle as compared to October of 2008. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, the casino's owner, also reported a $13.9 million dollar payment to the State of Connecticut for October 2009. This contribution increases the total dollar amount given to the State of Connecticut to approximately 2.9 billion since January 1993, when slot machines were first introduced at Foxwoods.

"Despite the fact that we've seen a slight decrease in revenue compared to October of last year, our near 100 percent occupancy rates demonstrate that our signature Foxwoods Five Star Service™, award-winning gaming and world class entertainment continue to attract consumers," said Michael Speller, President of Mashantucket Pequot Gaming Enterprises (MPGE). "Our team members' unwavering commitment to providing the very best in customer service, combined with our outstanding amenities and luxurious accommodations, gives visitors more reasons than ever to keep coming back to Foxwoods and MGM Grand at Foxwoods."

On the gaming front, Foxwoods Resort Casino and MGM Grand at Foxwoods continue to "go all in," as evidenced by the wildly successful 2009 World Poker Tournament (WPT) Finals. The event took place in the country's only WPT-branded Poker Room earlier this month, and welcomed some of Hollywood's finest, including actor Stephen Baldwin and triple threat Christina Lindley, the world famous poker pro, Playboy model and actress. The properties' seven casinos boast more than 400 table games, more than 7,200 slots, Wide Area Progressive slot machines, High Stakes Bingo, free online play, and Ultimate Race Book.

On the tournament front, Foxwoods continues to rake in big events, including: Mega IV Satellites (November 22-December 16); Black Friday Mini-Mega (November 27); Mega Stack Challenge XIV (December 15-20); New Year's Day Holiday Special (January 1, 2010); Mega XV Satellites (January 17-February 3); Martin Luther King Holiday Special (January 18); Mega Stack Challenge XV (February 4-7); Foxwoods Poker Classic Acts (February 7-March 25); and the President's Day Holiday Special (February 15).

Gaming is just one of the many outstanding activities for visitors to Foxwoods and MGM Grand at Foxwoods, especially this winter, as the award-winning resort casino's entertainment calendar heats up thanks to a flurry of world-class acts, from "American Idol" heartthrobs to legendary comedians to awe-inspiring European circus-style performers.

For a winter pick me up, check out Jerry Seinfeld on November 20 and 21, in an exclusive performance marking the stand-up legend's only live North American appearance through 2010. Other funny men and women to watch include Bill Engvall, who hits the MGM Theater stage on December 12; "Queen of Mean," Lisa Lampanelli, set to roast the house on December 18; and Artie Lange, of Howard Stern fame, who headlines on January 23.

The music line-up continues to reach high notes, beginning with an appearance by former Creedence Clearwater Revival star John Fogerty on November 27. Also on tap are country superstar Wynonna and her "A Classic Christmas" (November 29); the seventh annual Brian Setzer Orchestra "Christmas Rocks!" Extravaganza (December 4); pop icon Lionel Richie (December 5); "American Idol" runner-up and teen sensation David Archuleta with special guest Benton Paul (December 17); and blues legends B.B. King and Buddy Guy (February 14). Other winter events include musical sensation "Hairspray" (December 29-January 3) and Russian star Larisa Dolina (January 23 and 24).

Finally, because no holiday season is complete without family-friendly holiday entertainment, Foxwoods and MGM Grand at Foxwoods are offering two critically-acclaimed shows for a limited engagement. "Cirque Dreams Holidaze," the latest fantastical creation from Broadway director Neil Goldberg, gets audiences into the seasonal spirit from November 12 through 22. The production is set in a place where the ordinary turns extraordinary: ornaments come to life with pageantry, music, and majesty, transforming holiday figurines into awe-inspiring aerialists, acrobats, musicians, and dancers. More holiday magic comes in the form of the "Legends in Concert Holiday Show." Las Vegas' second longest running show of all-time and the original tribute show, Legends features uncanny impersonations of some of the world's most famous entertainers, including Bing Crosby, Sammy Davis, Jr., Liza Minnelli, the Temptations, and Elvis Presley. The show runs November 27 through January 3.

Combined, Foxwoods and MGM Grand at Foxwoods offer more than 2,200 stylish rooms, all featuring superior amenities and Foxwoods' famed commitment to five-star service. At Foxwoods Resort Casino, there's the majestic Grand Pequot Tower — a seven-time recipient of the prestigious AAA-Four Diamond Award — with its breathtaking lobby and lavishly appointed rooms; the highly acclaimed Great Cedar Hotel, atop one of the resort's liveliest gaming rooms; and the charming Two Trees Inn, offering the simple pleasures of a country inn. The MGM Grand at Foxwoods — which recently received the AAA-Four Diamond Award in only its second year of business — boasts 825 luxurious guest rooms and suites in a 30-story tower overlooking the pristine Connecticut countryside.