Foxwoods Resort Casino

Foxwoods Resort Casino. It is a major casino resort and entertainment complex located on the Mashantucket Pequot Indian Reservation in Ledyard, Connecticut. Owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, it is one of the largest casino complexes in North America by gaming space. The resort has been a significant economic driver for the tribe and the region since its expansion in the 1990s following the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

History

The modern development began after the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation achieved federal recognition in 1983. The tribe opened a high-stakes bingo hall in 1986, leveraging the precedent set by the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians in California. A landmark agreement, the 1990 settlement with the state of Connecticut, allowed for the operation of slot machines and table games, leading to the official opening of the full casino in 1992. Rapid expansion followed, including the addition of the Grand Pequot Tower in 1997 and the Fox Tower in 2008, transforming it into a vast resort destination. The complex faced significant financial challenges following the Great Recession, leading to a major debt restructuring in 2013.

Facilities and amenities

The resort encompasses over 9 million square feet across several hotel properties, including the Grand Pequot Tower, the Great Cedar Hotel, and the Two Trees Inn. Its non-gaming amenities are extensive, featuring multiple entertainment venues such as the Fox Theater and the Grand Theater, which have hosted performances by artists like Cher and Aerosmith. Dining options range from casual eateries to fine dining establishments by chefs including Alain Ducasse and Gordon Ramsay. Other attractions include the Foxwoods Golf Course, the Kéya Spa, the Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods, and the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center.

Gaming operations

The casino floor is one of the largest in the world, featuring thousands of slot machines and hundreds of table games including blackjack, craps, roulette, and poker. It operates a dedicated poker room that has hosted major tournaments on the World Poker Tour. The resort also includes a race book for parimutuel betting on horse racing and greyhound racing events globally. A separate, exclusive gaming area is designated for high-stakes players, often referred to as the Cascades or Lake of Isles room.

Ownership and management

The property is wholly owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, a federally recognized tribe governed by an elected Tribal Council and a Chairman. Day-to-day operations have historically been managed by professional executives, with key leadership figures including former CEO Felix Rappaport and former President John O'Brien. The tribe's business arm, Mashantucket Pequot Gaming Enterprise, oversees the resort's functions. Strategic partnerships have been formed with entities like MGM Resorts International for the MGM Grand at Foxwoods branding, which was later rebranded.

Economic impact and controversies

As the largest employer in New London County, it has provided substantial revenue for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and generated significant tax payments to the state of Connecticut under their revenue-sharing agreement. Its success spurred competitive development from the Mohegan Tribe's Mohegan Sun and impacted the regional gambling landscape in New England. The resort has faced controversies, including legal disputes over debt restructuring with creditors like Kien Huat Realty, and challenges related to problem gambling. Its expansion also contributed to debates over the broader social and economic effects of casino gambling in Connecticut. Category:Casinos in Connecticut Category:Mashantucket Pequot Category:Buildings and structures in New London County, Connecticut Category:1992 establishments in Connecticut