Mashantucket Tribe looks to shift revenues away from gaming


Magician and illusionist Criss Angel performs a stunt at the Foxwoods Resort Casino earlier this month. Photo from Facebook

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut operates one of the largest casinos in the world but will be emphasizing the non-gaming aspects more, a top executive said.

Gaming accounts for 80 percent of the revenue at the Foxwoods Resort Casino. In comparison, gaming typically accounts for just 40 percent of a facility's take in Las Vegas.

That's why CEO Felix Rappaport, who started his new post last week, plans to put more attention on entertainment, food and other options at the 8.1 million square-foot facility. He hopes to move Foxwoods toward the 65 to 70 percent range.

"This property is a great canvas," Rappaport told The New London Day. "It's a great opportunity to build on what we've accomplished. Going forward, with the proper vision and refocusing, we can certainly have more success than we've had in the last seven years."

The facility will be seeing a big change next May, when it opens a $120 million outlet mall. There's also discussions about a water park near the casino.

Get the Story:
Rappaport thinks Foxwoods is still 'teed up for success' (The New London Day 11/26)
Foxwoods, biggest US casino, cuts back on gambling (AP 11/25)

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