April in New England is a great time. The passing of winter to spring and the gradual warm up are welcome signs – especially after four nor’easters in March. Many exciting things coming up in April. First, here’s the news from the last few weeks.
CONNECTICUT CASINO EXPANSION INTENSIFIES
To add a casino or not add a casino? – That is NOT the question. To add two casinos? – Now that’s the question!
The battle at the border between MGM Springfield and the MMCT joint casino venture by the Mohegan & Pequot tribes is going on three years now. But events in March took the conflict to a new height. Highlights? Sure, there are plenty:
- CT Attorney General George Jepsen advised legislators on Thursday to consider and test the market for opening Connecticut to commercial casinos, believing that commercial casinos would not jeopardize the $160 million in slots revenue that the state expects to collect in 2018 from the exclusivity deal signed with tribal owners Mohegan Tribe and Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, owners of Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort Casino.
- According to MGM, Connecticut left tons of money on the table by accepting the first casino proposal that came their way. MGM has argued for the past year that the casino proposal process should be open to commercial interests. MGM would also pick a different location – Bridgeport, which is further from the MGM Springfield than East Windsor.
- MGM wants to build a casino and hotel on the Bridgeport waterfront – the only place MGM is interested in. A bill to support this was in jeopardy after committee leadership refused to hold a vote on it, but it was passed with one major change – Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun will still be allowed to develop their own casino in East Windsor, CT, minutes from the Massachusetts border and from MGM Springfield. Due to the change in the bill, MGM isn’t so so sure it’s interested if the MMCT casino in East Windsor is allowed to be built.
- Then, Connecticut lawmakers approved a revised bill that could pave the way for the construction of the state’s fourth casino. The piece of legislation nearly died in the General Assembly’s Public Safety and Security Committee, but last-ditch efforts from lawmakers supporting the idea helped it survive with a 21-3 vote in favor. If approved in the Legislature, the bill would allow for the opening of a new bidding process for operators interested in building a casino in Connecticut. In case the proposed commercial casino bill reaches the desk of Governor Dannel Malloy and he signs it into law, the state of Connecticut would then subsequently allow the local Indian tribes, casino developers, and other qualified entities to submit their respective proposals for establishing the fourth legally authorized gaming venue in the state.
You can’t make this stuff up! At any given time, either side sound like adolescents not getting their way, only this is different – there’s a lot of money at stake!
RHODE ISLAND CASINO EXPANSION NEWS
Twin River Management Group, owners of Twin River Casino in Lincoln, RI and Newport Grand Slots in Newport RI announced progress for their Tiverton Casino Hotel project in Tiverton, TI. TRMG is building a 95,000-square-foot casino as well as an 84-room hotel just south of the Fall River line. The casino will host 1,000 slot machines, 32 table games, a sit down restaurant and four restaurants offering quicker food. “Trattoria Romana,a neighbor of Twin River Casino in Lincoln will be one of five restaurants to open in the Tiverton Casino later this year. Jacky’s Galaxie, Mooyah Burger, Pie Five and Dunkin Donuts will also fill the food court. Recent progress includes the beginning of working on the town’s worst intersection will soon be replaced by a roundabout that will also feed the entrance to the casino under construction. In more TWMG news, executives at Twin River Casino plan to bring the “play, dine, stay” concept to Lincoln, RI this summer by opening a new 136-room hotel on the property. Construction is progressing on the project, which will feature a spa, indoor pool, fitness center and meeting space.
MGM SPRINGFIELD ANNOUNCES AMENITIES
MGM Springfield: More Table Games, Fewer Slot Machines Add Up to Millennial Marketing Push
The new MGM Springfield in Massachusetts hopes to attract millennials to its $960 million integrated casino resort. MGM Resorts officials explained they’re reworking the casino floor arrangement to accommodate more table games than originally planned. Table games take up more room than slot machines, which is why MGM says the overall number of total “gaming positions” will decrease from 3,657 down to 3,324 on the 125,000-square-foot casino floor. To make room, a number of intended penny slot machines will be withdrawn.
Also in the MGM Springfield news, slated to open its $960 million casino in September, MGM announced this week that its entertainment venues will include a year-round, high-tech golf simulation experience for resort visitors, the “Topgolf Swing Suite.” The Swing Suite will open simultaneously with the casino, and will have access from the resort’s outdoor plaza. It will be the first Topgolf simulated golf experience in New England
“MGM Winning the Battle in CT by Outspending the Rest”
A recent NETimeGambling post provides an overview, including recent events, of the MA/CT “Battle at the Border.” As they say, “money talks,” and it’s MGM’s beliefs that the more money spent to stop Connecticut’s third casino on the state line, the better. Check out our recent post.
A FIRST TIME NEW ENGLAND GAMBLING EVENT – GAMBLEPALOOZA
On April 20th & 21st, both Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun will be the place for gamblers to meet. I will be there all weekend to meet and greet our friends, as well as the great celebrities such as Mark Devol & Dr. Mike from the spectacular podcast “You Can Bet on That,” Eric Rosenthal from TravelZork, and the host with the most, Cousin Vito, from CousinVitosCasinoPodcast. Gamblepalooza, a gathering for recreational gamblers by recreational gamblers, will make Connecticut casinos their home for two days of gambling with casino oriented events and meet ups. Tentative Events Line-up:
- -Meet and Greet Cocktail Hour featuring You Can Bet on That, Cousin Vito’s Casino, Travelzork’s Eric Rosenthal, and more. (Friday)
- -$100 a share High Limiy Slot Pull (TBD)
- -Several Group Gambling outings TBD including Craps, Pai Gow, Slots and more. (Both)
- -Group dining event (possibly a breakfast)
For up-to-date information on more events and hotel information, click HERE
Visiting New England’s Casinos?
Curious about casino expansion in our region? Then there’s only one place to go – visit us at NETimeGambling! For specific casino details, visit the websites of all seven casinos: Connecticut – Foxwoods Resort/Casino & Mohegan Sun Resort/Casino; Rhode Island – Newport Grand & Twin River Hotel/Casino; Massachusetts – Plainridge Park Casino & Raceway, MGM Springfield & Wynn Boston Harbor; Maine – Oxford Casino & Hollywood Bangor Hotel, Casino & Raceway.
Entertainment
HEADLINERS
April 3rd – Tigerlily at the Shrine, Foxwoods, 9:00PM
April 6th – SUN WHISKEY UNION at Convention Center And Uncas Ballroom, Mohegan Sun, 8:00pm
April 6th – Daughtry at Mohegan Sun Arena, 7:30PM
April 6th – John Mulaney at the Grand Theater, Foxwoods, 8:00PM
April 6 & 7 – “Bowie Lives” – The Ultrasonic Rock Orchestra at the Fox Theater, Foxwoods, 8:00PM
April 7th – Lorde at Mohegan Sun Arena, 7:00PM
April 7th – Cristopher Cross at the Wolf Den, Mohegan Sun, 8:00pm (free)
April 7th – Bob Marley at the Loft, Plainridge Park Casino, 7:00 & 9:00 PM
April 8th – Gilberto Santa Rosa at the Grand Theater, Foxwoods, 7:00PM
April 8th – The Original Wedding Expo, at the Twin River Events Center, 11:00AM
April 13th – George Thorogood and The Destroyers: Rock Party Tour, at the Twin River Events Center, 8:00PM
April 14th – Piff the Magic Dragon at the Fox Theater, Foxwoods, 8:00
April 14th – Frankie Valli at Mohegan Sun Arena, 7:30PM
April 15th – Psychic Medium Matt Fraser at the Grand Pequot Ballroom, 2:00PM
April 20th – George Lopez: The Wall Tour at the Grand Theater, Foxwoods, 8:00PM
April 20th – Paul Anka at the Twin River Events Center, 8:00PM
April 21st – Wanda Sykes at the Grand Theater, Foxwoods, 8:00PM
April 21st – Dane Cook at Mohegan Sun Arena, 8:00PM
April 27th – Bad Bunny at Mohegan Sun Arena, 8:00PM
April 28th – Brett Eldredge at Mohegan Sun Arena, 7:30PM
April 28th – Anthony Jeselnik: Funny Games at the Fox Theater, Foxwoods, 8:00
April 28th – Get The Led Out at the Grand Theater, Foxwoods, 8:00PM
May 5th – Tom Jones at the Grand Theater, Foxwoods, 8:00PM
May 5th – Bon Jovi at Mohegan Sun Arena, 7:30PM
May 5th – Uncle Kracker at the Wolf Den, Mohegan Sun, 8:00pm (free)
Other casino entertainment venues include:
The Wolf Den, Mohegan Sun – Located in the center of the action, in Casino of the Earth, offers full beverage service, a state-of-the-art sound system, intimate seating and top performances by headliners. For complete schedule, click HERE.
Hollywood Bangor now offers two venues for live weekend music – 99 Hops House & the Sound Stage. Click Here for schedule.
Newport Grand offers Free shows by Tribute bands almost every weekend. Click HERE for schedule.
Twin River Lighthouse Lounge – right in the middle of the downstairs casino. Shipyard Pub – Upstairs in Non-smoking.
Plainridge Park Casino – the Revolution Lounge offers entertainment on the weekends
Foxwoods – Atrium Lounge – Live bands on the weekend, specialty cocktails and great time.
Gambling Promos & Events
FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO
ULTIMATE EASTER HOT SEAT, Saturday, March 31st, from 2-8PM
MEGA-STACK Poker Challenge, April 27 – May 7th.
Monday Madness High Hand Giveaway April 16th, 10AM – 10PM
Wicked Good Times – Residency has its privileges. Massachusetts visitors can enjoy these exclusive offers and events.
Wonder Woman Slot Promotion – Saturday, April 28 • 4pm – 6pm • Great Cedar Casino – receive $15 Bonus Slot Play to be used at the Wonder Woman slot machines. Play 3 spins at the max bet of $5 and the winnings go right in your pocket. Wear your favorite Superhero Costume and receive an additional $10 Bonus Slot Play – No masks allowed
ONGOING PROMOTIONS – SPECIAL MILITARY OFFERS & DISCOUNTS, High Hand Poker Frenzy,
MOHEGAN SUN
Bright Lights Giveaway – Thursday, March 29th – Sunday, June 24th. Swipe your Momentum card once a day at any promotional kiosk and you could be bursting with excitement with Momentum Dollars or up to $1,000 in FREE SLOT PLAY.
Friday, April 6th – Play your favorite slots, table games or wager in Race Book from 6:00am to Midnight to receive DOUBLE MOMENTUM DOLLARS & DOUBLE STATUS POINTS
Every Wednesday In April, Double Momentum Dollars – Play your favorite slots, table games or wager in Race Book from 6:00am – Midnight to receive DOUBLE MOMENTUM DOLLARS. (Select slot machines excluded. Excludes Momentum Dollars earned in the Poker Room. Visit any Player’s Club booth for official rules.)
Earth Day Giveaway – Sunday, April 22nd, 9:00am, Summer Coat Check – The first 2,000 Momentum members will receive a FREE organic cotton canvas carry-all tote
$25,000 Surprize Patrol – Tuesday, April 17th, 10:00am – 8:00pm
NEWPORT GRAND
5X Rewards Points every Tuesday in March.
$13,000 Friday the 13th Cash Sweepstakes – Friday, April 13, 2018 from 2pm-8pm; 2 WINNERS EVERY 1/2 HOUR COULD WIN $500 CASH!
$10,000 Tax Relief Cash Sweepstakes – Monday, April 16, 2018 from 2pm-8pm; 8 WINNERS EVERY 1/2 HOUR COULD WIN $100 CASH!
$400,000 Same Day-Future Play Free Play Sweepstakes Tuesdays through Thursdays in April from 12pm-8pm; 10 WINNERS EVERY 1/2 HOUR Winners receive $100 SAME DAY SLOT PLAY and $100 FUTURE PLAY FREE SLOT PLAY!
TWIN RIVER CASINO
$100,000 Cash Sweepstakes. EARN: April 1, 2018 – April 28, WIN: Saturday, April 28 from 11am – 11pm; 4 drawings every half-hour!
HOLLYWOOD BANGOR
Marquee Muddin’ – Play with your Marquee Rewards card to earn entries your chance to win one of two Polaris ATV’s. Earn 25x entries on Thursdays, 50x entries on Fridays, and 100x entries on the days of the giveaway. Saturday, April 14 & 28, 9PM one ATV given away each date. Win your share of $1,000 Free SlotPlay. Card In play drawings every 10 minutes from 5PM – 8PM
HOLLYWOOD CASINO IS PLEASED TO OFFER MAINE’S ONLY LIVE POKER ROOM offering Limit and No-Limit Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and 7-Card Stud are currently available based on player demand and availability. Click HERE for the Poker Calendar of Events.
ONGOING PROMOS: “Wicked Numbahs” – Every Friday in February; BIRTHDAY BASH – Fridays 8AM – MIDNIGHT ; MATCH & WIN, Saturdays 3 – 9PM, 50 PLUS REWARDS KIOSK– Every Sunday 1PM – 4PM, and win up to $250 in Free SlotPlay on the Ladies Night Ball Drop Board, Every Monday Play One Hour, Eat Free at Hops House 99
OXFORD CASINO
150K Cars or Cash Giveaway – Win one of THREE brand new Cadillacs. The next two drawings will take place on Sunday, March 11 and Sunday, April 15, 2018. Starting at 2:00pm, one finalist will be selected every 10 minutes to take their spot in that day’s
Easter Brunch, Sunday, April 1, 2018, 9:00am – 4:00pm – $21.95 per person – Delicious breakfast, brunch and dinner items including leg of lamb, ham and turkey carving stations and Easter favorites. Reservations recommended. Call (207) 539-6705
Patriots’ Day Buffet, Monday, April 16, 2018 – 10:30am – 3:30pm, $12.95 per person
Prime Rib Buffet, Every Friday from 5:00PM to 10:00PM $21.95 per person
Weekend Breakfast Buffets, Every Saturday and Sunday from 8:30am-Noon. $12.95 per person,
ONGOING PROMOTIONS: 2017 Birthday Bash, SATURDAY – Super 6, SUNDAY – 16X Multiplier TUESDAY – 15X Multiplier WEDNESDAY – 15X Multiplier & Seniors Day ,THURSDAY – Missile Madness. Every Thursday. 3:00pm – 8:00pm &– Free Lunch Buffet (100 pts earned),FRIDAY – High 5
PLAINRIDGE PARK CASINO & RACEWAY
$200,000 CHOOSE YOUR RIDE GIVEAWAY – Earn entries now through April 28, Grand prize drawings April 14-7PM, April 21-7PM, April 28-7PM. Win $25,000 towards a new car or $17,500 cash
Roll the Dice – Sundays, from 4-10PM, win your share of $40,000 of free slot play. March 4, 11, 18th.
Play to Earn Skee-Ball – Mondays, 6:00AM – 11:59PM – Earn 500 pts and receive Skee Ball Bonus of $10 – $50 Free Slot Play.
Big Draw Play to Earn – Wednesdays, 3-7PM, Earn 500 pts and get one free draw in the Promo Zone. Match all 6 numbers and earn $100,000 in Free Slot Play
ONGOING PROMOTIONS: P OF CLUBS Fridays from 6PM-10PM. Win $100 up to $5,000 Free SlotPlay. 5 winners every hour from 6pm-10pm. If a winner picks the P of Diamonds they receive progressive prize, Play Up To $500 Sign Up Bonus
Sporting Events
April 6th – CES MMA presents World Championship MMA at the Twin River Events Center, 8:00pm
April 8th – Mohegan Sun Arena – New England Black Wolves vs. Calgary Roughnecks, 2:00PM
April 14th – WBFF 20th Annual Fitness Atlantic Show: USA Championships at Convention Center And Uncas Ballroom, Mohegan Sun, 10:00am
April 21th – Lion Fight 42 at the Fox Theater, Foxwoods, 6:00
April 29th – Mohegan Sun Arena – New England Black Wolves vs. Georgia Swarm, 5:00PM
“NETimeGambling is a non-monetized blog created for my personal interest and passion in the gambling industry – its history, and its ongoing evolution- mixed with my love for New England. Come share my passion and visit us.”
Robin T. Aubin (Binbin) has been involved in music all his life, including 40 years of choral conducting, and performing professionally in different musical genres since he was 10 years of age. “Heck, I even performed in Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den, Foxwoods’ Atrium Lounge, and Twin River’s Lighthouse Bar & Lounge.” (All venues in New England casinos)
Twenty years ago casino gambling became a side interest. The business, the history, the expansion across the U.S., the myths, the superstitions and innovations of legalized gambling all became a fascination. “It allows us to witness the best and worst of human nature and human interaction.”
The goal was to provide a service and resource for anyone visiting New England’s expanding casino market.
“My biggest pet peeve is how gamblers refuse to look at the math & science involved in gambling. Myths and superstitions can be fun, humorous and sad all at one time. Preparation and understanding the reality of gambling will only improve your recreational gambling. Know what you are getting into – acceptance of the science involved, not the possible karma, is the key to all improving your recreational gambling fun.”
