Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun: Connecticut’s World-Class Casinos

When someone mentions casinos, Connecticut probably isn’t the first place that pops into mind. But the southern New England state plays host to two of the world’s premier facilities.

Foxwoods Resort Casino

Foxwoods is the largest resort casino in North America. Starting with humble origins as a bingo hall on an the Mashantucket Pequot reservation, the facility has grown into six casinos, 5,000 slot machines and 400 tables — not to mention its 29 restaurants, Four-Diamond hotels, spas, museums and golfing. The resort also has a number of theaters, which feature comedy shows, concerts and extravaganzas from national headlining acts to local artists. In the spring of 2015, Foxwoods plans to open a 300,000-square-foot Tanger outlet mall.

Mohegan Sun

Just down the road, Mohegan Sun is not eclipsed by Foxwoods’ enormity. The feel of this casino constructed in 1996 is heavily artistic, highlighted by its three-story crystal mountain and the world’s largest indoor planetarium; and that’s just in the Casino of the Sky. Besides the Casinos of Earth and Wind, Mohegan Sun also has a 10,000-seat arena, a hotel, more than 40 restaurants, shopping, a spa and a convention center. Mohegan Sun is also home to the WNBA team, Connecticut Sun. Kids are welcome at the Kids’ Quest/Cyber Quest family entertainment facility where they can find an arcade, basketball court and climbing wall, among many other attractions.

The recent recession hit both resorts hard, and they cut back some of their 15,000 slot machines and repurposed facilities. New competition is moving into the area; three new casinos are slated to open within three years in Massachusetts and a new satellite has been proposed nearby in Connecticut.

Although the two Connecticut casinos are still trying to recoup from the recession, they offer a unique destination with something for everyone.