Foxwoods Resort Casino: A Journey from Humble Beginnings to a Gaming Empire

The Mashantucket Pequot Gaming Enterprise Inc., operating as Foxwoods Resort Casino, stands as a testament to tribal perseverance and entrepreneurial vision. Located in Mashantucket, Connecticut, this sprawling complex has evolved from a modest bingo hall into one of the most successful casino resorts in the Western Hemisphere. Its story is deeply intertwined with the history and resurgence of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, showcasing a remarkable transformation driven by a commitment to economic independence and cultural preservation.

The Genesis of a Gaming Powerhouse

The roots of Foxwoods can be traced back to the 1970s when Richard “Skip” Hayward spearheaded the movement for federal recognition of the Pequot Tribe, a recognition officially granted in 1983. This pivotal moment paved the way for the Tribe to reclaim and expand its ancestral lands, laying the groundwork for economic development. In 1986, the Tribe opened a 2,100-seat bingo hall, a venture that proved successful and set the stage for a more ambitious undertaking. Following the enactment of The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which legalized gambling on Indian reservations, Hayward, with crucial foreign investment, embarked on the construction of a casino. In February 1992, the Foxwoods High Stakes Bingo & Casino opened its doors, offering a variety of table games and quickly becoming a popular destination for tourists from across the region. The introduction of slot machines in 1993 further fueled its growth, with the Tribe entering into an agreement with the State of Connecticut to share a percentage of the net winnings. The resort’s innovative approach extended to customer loyalty with the Wampum Club card, which rewarded players for their activity.

Transformation into a Destination Resort

The initial success of Foxwoods spurred significant expansion. By November 1993, a $240 million expansion transformed the casino into a comprehensive destination resort, rebranded as Foxwoods Resort Casino. This phase introduced new gaming areas, an additional 1,150 slot machines, more game tables, and a wide array of amenities including a beauty salon, retail shops, dining options, and the AAA Four-Diamond Great Cedar Hotel. The resort also diversified its entertainment offerings with the Cinetropolis District, featuring a 360-degree video theater and a nightclub, and the Fox Theater, a 1,400-seat venue for live performances. Further expansions in June 1994 and April 1995 continued to bolster its gaming space and entertainment options, including the addition of a poker room and a high-limit gaming area.

Navigating Competition and Embracing Upscale Clientele

The emergence of the Mohegan Sun casino nearby presented new competition, but Foxwoods management noted that the new competitor initially had a minimal impact on overall customer growth. The two casinos, operated by different tribes, eventually began to view themselves as partners in attracting tourism to Connecticut. In December 1995, Foxwoods unveiled a substantial $350 million plan to add 1.4 million square feet of resort facilities, including an 824-room hotel and extensive conference and meeting spaces designed to attract a more upscale clientele and business events. The Grand Pequot Tower, a significant part of this expansion, opened in July 1997, and by the time the project was complete, Foxwoods had become the most profitable casino in the Western Hemisphere. To further enhance its upscale image, Foxwoods introduced a private-label fragrance and planned a bath and body care line. The Tribe also diversified its business ventures by acquiring golf courses and developing a ferry service from Long Island to Connecticut.

Addressing Challenges and Fostering Community Impact

Despite its rapid growth, Foxwoods faced some local opposition regarding traffic congestion and increased crime. The company actively addressed concerns about gambling addiction by distributing information and providing a toll-free help line. During this period, a new management team was brought in to improve fiscal accountability. In August 1998, the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center opened, offering a comprehensive look at the Tribe’s history and culture. To support its extensive dining operations, Foxwoods constructed a central kitchen facility capable of preparing over 40,000 meals daily. The completion of the Grand Pequot Tower Hotel in the fall of 1998 included the addition of the Grand Spa and Salon and luxury villas for premium players.

Sustained Success and Economic Contribution

By the late 1990s, Foxwoods continued its trajectory of success. A new advertising campaign launched in May 1999, with the slogan “the wonder of it all,” targeted key markets. Record revenues were achieved in 1999, with substantial slot wins and over 40,000 daily visitors on average. Foxwoods was recognized by Casino Player magazine as one of the “Best of the Millennium” casinos in the United States and the Caribbean, receiving accolades for its dining, entertainment, gaming, and accommodations. The resort became the largest employer in southeastern Connecticut, playing a crucial role in job creation following layoffs in the defense industry. The development of the Fox Navigation ferry service also spurred economic renewal in New London. Overall, reservation gaming, including the success of Foxwoods, contributed significantly to Connecticut’s economy, funding economic development across the state through taxes generated from slot machines.

Foxwoods Resort Casino’s journey exemplifies a successful fusion of tribal sovereignty, strategic business development, and a commitment to providing a comprehensive entertainment experience, solidifying its position as a premier gaming destination.

Principal Competitors

Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts Inc.
Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority
Connecticut Lottery Corporation.

Gaming