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Connecticut Casinos Win Big in December

"The state this week reported slot revenue figures for December -- a month that typically is lackluster for gambling. The amount wagered didn't astonish experts, however.

"..`I'm not surprised at the figures and it is not a phenomenon,' said David McKee, managing editor of Casino Journal. `We see it at Indian gaming casinos in Illinois, Iowa and the Gulf Coast -- people are playing closer to home.'

"He attributed the boost to the hassle of using the airlines for travel, the declining economy and the desire for people to seek entertainment closer to home.

"…During December, the amount bet, or `handle,' at Foxwoods rose to $761.4 million from $669.8 million a year ago. The state's portion, or 25 percent of the "win," stands at $15 million, a 14-percent boost over December 2000. A year ago it was $13 million.

"At Mohegan Sun, the $58.6 million win on a $702.6 million "handle" is 37 percent higher than a year ago.

"As Mohegan Sun's figure grows ever closer to Foxwoods' numbers in both the handle and win, the state's share of $14.6 million is up from $10.7 million in December 2000.

"…`The real significance of the numbers is the strength of the overall market,' said Robert DeSalvo, Foxwoods' executive vice president for marketing. `The efforts we're putting out is piquing the interest in the area.'

"…Although Mohegan Sun officials are pleased with the numbers, executive vice president for marketing Mitchell Etess said they would like them to keep growing…"

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