The Holiday season is upon us, and a crispness of the cold New England air reminds us that the year is coming to a close. New Year’s Eve is right around the corner, which we will cover in a separate post.

New England Casinos November SECTIONS BELOW INCLUDE include:
NEWS, GAMBLING PROMOTIONS, SPECIAL EVENTS, FESTIVALS, AND ENTERTAINMENT

This month’s Main Story

Sports Betting Comes to New England

Probably the biggest news from New England is that the littlest state in the country is leading the way in New England sports betting. Like horses at the starting gate, a huge line had formed and excitement built until at 3:00pm EST when Speaker of the House Nicholas Mattiello, Senate President Dominic Ruggerio and John Taylor, executive chairman of Twin River Worldwide Holdings Inc., placed the first bets, marking the opening of the Twin River Casino sports wagering. Now, if you’re thinking Vegas sports books the likes of Caesars or Westgate, think again. It’s more like Golden Gate downtown.

So they could started ASAP and get ahead of other New England casinos, TR’s setup is temporary, called “Phase 1″ and is found in the third floor in the simulcast wagering area. Staff told NETG that this “Phase 1” area will be kept even after the main sports book is completed. Wagering is still on the casino property, with online bets slated for the future. The next phase will be completion of the real sports book area overlooking the grassy remains of the greyhound track. According to Jeff Moony, Staff Writer at the Providence Journal, “Rhode Island will be poised to go online whenever lawmakers are ready. IGT and William Hill power Rhode Island sports wagering. IGT is behind the computer technology, while William Hill is setting the lines.”

Rhode Island’s Sports Betting Facts:

• The State of Rhode Island takes 51% of the sports betting revenue at the start
• 32% goes to IGT as vendor operations
• Only 17% of the revenue generated by sports betting goes to Twin River.
• A Sports Betting Lounge at TR is expected to open in December with dozens of television screens
• Bets are now allowed on pro sports and college games, but Rhode Island colleges are not available for wagering.
• Only pre-game betting is available.  In-game betting will be only be ready when the mobile on-line wagering is in place, and that could be for quite a while.

THE REST OF THE NEWS

Casinos Report Decline in November Revenue

• CT – Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort Casino both reported slots revenue down about 10% in October, when compared to the same month last year. The compact with the state allows only the reporting of the slots revenue.  Table games, sports book and bingo revenue is not reported.
• MA – Plainridge Park Casino & Raceway and MGM Springfield both reported declines as well. October was the worst month since January for the slots parlor at Plainridge Park Casino, and MGM Springfield saw players wager less money – and therefore counted less in revenue – than they did during the casino’s first full month of operation. After a fantastic start in Springfield, MGM saw revenue was down in all categories at the state’s first full-scale casino. Rhode Island casinos also
• RI – The decrease in Twin River revenue coupled with millions in shortfalls from promises of sports betting is only exacerbating Rhode Island’s fragile budget situation. Rhode Island is now facing an estimated $158 million budget deficit in the 2019-2020 fiscal year. Tiverton Casino opened with great fanfare, but the numbers show that after the initial excitement, revenue has fallen by 19 percent.

No Unionization at MGM Springfield

As reported by Chris DiMauro of the Art in the Game podcast, “There will be no union organization for MGM Springfield security guards. On Tuesday 172 out of the 195 total security guards cast their vote on whether or not to organize with LEOSU. The Law Enforcement Security Officers Union. 115 employees voted no and 56 voted yes. The effort was launched by security officer Kevin Frazier after reportedly not receiving pay raises at that were promised. It was also noted that security officers who took training like CPR and would train others would receive an extra dollar an hour. Officers were under the impression that they were to have a pay increase to $18 after their 90 day probationary period ended. Currently they are paid $16 an hour. Also noted and there complaint was that there was no pay differential for overnight shift, Sundays, or holidays.

Currently many of the security guards are former military veterans, retired police officers, and correctional officer’s. These individuals have the experience and certifications that it takes to work in law enforcement. They are all used to receiving the benefits of that a union provides. It’s not too hard to imagine that they would hope to receive the same benefits while working for a casino.”

GAMBLING PROMOTIONS

FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO, Mashantucket CT

Winter Wonderland Hot Seat – Thursday, December 6th, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Every hour, five winners be selected. Winners will be invited to the Celebration Zone on the Great Cedar Concourse to select a snowflake on the prize board that could be worth up to $5,000 cash!

Celebrate National Cookie Day – December 4 • 4pm – 6pm • Great Cedar Concourse, with a drawing at 6:15pm. Save room for dessert when you come to Foxwoods. Stop by the Celebration Zone on the Great Cedar Concourse to receive a big chocolate chip cookie. Enter for the chance to win your share of $15,000.  Must be present to win.

Shop, Dine & Win – NOVEMBER 14 – DECEMBER 21 • DRAWING DECEMBER 22, 7PM Win your share of $10,000 in Tanger Outlets Gift Cards

3x Tier Credits – Friday, December 14th, BEGINNING AT 6AM – Tier up faster with TRIPLE TIER CREDITS. Earn TRIPLE TIER CREDITS on slots, table games, keno, bingo and race book.Not valid on poker play.

Drop Zone Hot Seat – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21 • 2PM – 8PM • CELEBRATION ZONE. After opting in, play your favorite slots or table games with your Foxwoods Rewards Card. Every hour, 5 lucky winners will be invited to the Celebration Zone on the Great Cedar Concourse to play for up to $1,000.

$25,000 Slot Tournament – December 11 • 2PM – 6PM • Spin Zone at Great Cedar Casino. Bring your Foxwoods Rewards Card to the Spin Zone in Great Cedar Casino near the Fox Theater to enter for your chance to win up to $10,000 cash. The TOP 50 scores will win prizes AND each session winner will receive a free gift!

ONGOING PROMOTIONS –  SPECIAL MILITARY OFFERS & DISCOUNTS, High Hand Poker Frenzy, Young & Fun Days, 55+ Offers

HOLLYWOOD Casino, Hotel & Raceway, BANGOR ME

FALL FORTUNES GIVEAWAY – Enter to win thousands in Free SlotPlay during November, Fridays & Saturdays. At 10 p.m. on promotional days, one winner will be drawn and receive $1,000 in Free SlotPlay. On each promotional day, three Marquee Rewards members will be selected every 10 minutes between 5 and 9:50 p.m. for Free Slotplay.

Match & Win – GET UP TO $500 FREE SLOTPLAY OR MORE – Match just two numbers to win. Match five numbers and win the progressive jackpot of at least $500 Free SlotPlay® all December long at Hollywood Casino Bangor. EARN ENTRIES: FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS IN DEC./ DRAWING DATE(S): DEC. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 2018

PLAY FOR ONE HOUR AT HOLLYWOOD CASINO BANGOR ON MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS AND EARN A $15 DINING CREDIT TO OUR HOPS HOUSE 99 RESTAURANT!

ONGOING PROMOS:  QUEEN OF HEARTS PROGRESSIVE, BIRTHDAY BASH, Midweek Moolah,  Jackpot Party, 50 PLUS REWARDS KIOSK – Every Sunday 1PM – 4PM,

MGM SPRINGFIELD, Springfield MA

Choose Your Ride Giveaway – Earning Dates: Thursday, November 1 – Saturday, December 1st. Visit any M life Rewards kiosk for your daily complimentary spin and 10 bonus entries.Receive one additional spin and 10 bonus entries for every 350 slot points or 500 tier credits from table play from 6:00 a.m. to 5:59 a.m. daily. Every Saturday: Activate your entries 1 hour before each drawing by playing in any slot machine on your M life Rewards card or by swiping into any one of our promotional kiosks. Be one of 5 hourly winners from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for up to $3,000 in Gas Cards or FREEPLAY. GRAND FINALE DRAWING Saturday, December 1st. Be one of 5 winners at the 10:00 p.m. for a chance to compete for your choice of a new Mercedes vehicle.

Fill your Sleigh with FREEPLAY – Sunday, December 2 – Saturday, December 29. Visit any M life Rewards promotional kiosk for your complimentary daily swipe. Receive one additional swipe for every 350 slot points or 500 tier credits from table play daily. Maximum two swipes per day

$75,000 SATURDAY DRAWINGS – Activate your entries one hour before each drawing by playing in any slot machine on your M life Rewards card or by swiping into one of our promotional kiosks located on the casino floor. Be one of five hourly winners from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to win up to $1.000 in gift cards or $5.000 in FREEPLAY.

ONGOING PROMOS: WINNING WINSDAYS, SENIOR SPOTLIGHT , MILITARY & VETERANS PROGRAM

MOHEGAN SUN Resort Casino, Uncasville CT

ANCHORS AWEIGH GIVEAWAY – Thursday, November 1st 2018, Daily until Friday, February 1st 2019.  Win the grand prize of a complimentary cruise for two in the exclusive MSC Yacht Club aboard any MSC Cruises ship sailing in Northern Europe or the Mediterranean. Swipe your Momentum card once a day at any promotional kiosk and you could be cruising into winter with Free Slot Play, Momentum Dollars or entries into the grand prize drawing. Play your favorite games to earn extra swipes! Earn 10 Momentum Dollars to get a second swipe! Earn another 10 Momentum Dollars to get a third swipe!

RED ZONE RUSH – Daily until Sunday, December 30th 

DOUBLE MOMENTUM & STATUS POINTS – Friday, December 21st. 

TRIPLE STATUS POINTS DAYS – Sunday, December 30th.

POWER on POWDER – Monday, December 10th at 6:00am – Thursday, December 13th at 4:00pm. You could win two 2019 Indy XC Snowmobiles from Scranton Powersports!

STATUS MAYHEM – Thursday, December 13th. Give your Momentum status a huge boost with Status Point multipliers from 6:00am – Midnight and earn at least DOUBLE Status Points. The multiplier will randomly change throughout the day – earning you anywhere from 2X – 5X Status Points. Each multiplier is guaranteed to occur at least twice.

ONGOING PROMOTIONS – TURN 21 AT MOHEGAN SUN,  FOREVER YOUNG WEDNESDAYS 

OXFORD CASINO & Hotel, Oxford ME

Christmas Day Buffet -Tuesday, December 25, 2018, 11:00am – 5:00pm $28.95 per person. Reservations required! Call 207-539-6705

10X Point Multiplier Saturdays – Saturdays in December; 10:00am – Noon & 10:00pm – Midnight. Earn 10X Slot Points on any slot machine. Excludes Tier Points, Keno & Video Poker. See Guest Services for details. Promotion Ends 12/29/2018.

Thursday Dinner Buffet – Earn 500 tier points between 5:00am and 7:00pm to get a FREE Thursday Dinner buffet

Plainridge Park Casino & Raceway

P OF DIAMONDS – Fridays, 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.

REGIFT-A-THON – EARNING PERIOD: 3PM – 7PM. Earn 500 tier points each Wednesday during the earning period to claim your Holiday/Winter Themed Gift

ONGOING PROMOTIONS – 50+ REWARDS, $50,000 PIGSKIN PICKS

Tiverton Casino & Hotel

Match Your Connecticut/Massachusetts Slot Offer – Once EVERY Sunday thru Saturday from 10AM-10PM. To receive your offer match, qualified guests must bring in their current Connecticut/Massachusetts base Slot offer to the Players Club and we will match that base Slot offer with up to $500 in Free Slot Play

$100,000 Holiday Cheer Sweepstakes – EARN: Monday, November 26 – Monday, December 31, WIN: December 1-31 (excludes December 24 & 25) from 2pm – 8m; 5 winners every hour. Starting Monday, November 26, 2018 all Tiverton Casino Hotel Rewards Club members will be eligible to receive one free entry into this promotion by simply inserting their Rewards Card into any one of our Promotion Kiosks or by actively using their Rewards Card at any eligible VLT. Video Poker and Stadium Games are not eligible.

CASINO and SPORTING EVENTS

December 9, 2018 10:30am – Santa’s Holiday Expo. Shopping, Games, and Santa! Fun for the whole family! Kiddie Train Rides, Beautiful Ice Sculptures, Cooking Stage Demos, Ginger Bread Houses, Christmas Carolers…. and of course Santa Claus!

December 12th – 12 Bars of Christmas Pub Crawl at Foxwoods. Celebration Zone on the Great Cedar Concourse • Centrale FoxTower • Guy Fieri’s Kitchen + Bar • Hard Rock Café • High Rollers Luxury Lanes• Junior’s • Il Gesto in Tanger Outlets • Live @ Atrium Bar & Lounge • Play Bar • Scorpion Bar • Shrine • Spin Bar • Sports Bar at Race Book • Stony Creek Brewery • Sugar Factory • Veuve Clicquot Champagne Lounge. Put on your Santa Hat and enjoy special holiday themed cocktails across 12 bars and restaurants on property and then finish your evening at Centrale Fox Tower with with drinks, DJ, and dancing. PLUS, put on your best (or worst) attire and compete for great prizes in the Ugliest Sweater competition!

December 14th & 15th – BIG LITTLE HOLIDAY PARTY at Convention Center And Uncas Ballroom, Mohegan Sun

December 16th – 2018 Air Force Reserve Holiday Showcase Presented by Citi at Mohegan Sun Arena, 1:00PM

December 28th – Black Wolves vs. Saskatchewan Rush at Mohegan Sun Arena, 7:30PM

ENTERTAINMENT

Nov 23 – 12/31 – Legends in Concert Holiday Show at the Fox Theater, Foxwoods, varied times and dates.
December 2nd – Donny & Marie Holiday Tour 2018, at the Grand Theater, Foxwoods, 6:00PM
December 2nd– Dave Matthews Band, at Mohegan Sun Arena, 8:00PM
December 7th – IMOMSOHARD – Mom’s Night Out Round 2, at the Grand Theater, Foxwoods, 8:00PM
December 7th – Straight No Chaser, at Mohegan Sun Arena, 8:00PM
December 7th – Lavell Crawford at the Fox Theater, Foxwoods, 10:45PM
December 8th – Smokey Robinson at the Grand Theater, Foxwoods, 8:00PM
December 8th – Pentatonix at Mohegan Sun Arena, 8:00PM
December 8th – America at Wolf Den, Mohegan Sun, 8:00PM
December 9th –Christmas with Rockapella at Wolf Den, Mohegan Sun, 7:00PM
December 14th – Legends of the Mic with Busta Rhymes, Fabolous, The Lox, Cam’ron and Cassidy, at the Grand Theater, Foxwoods, 8:00PM
December 14th – 96.5 ALL STAR CHRISTMAS – BACKSTREET BOYS at Mohegan Sun Arena, 8:00PM
December 14th – Blood Sweat & Tears at Wolf Den, Mohegan Sun, 8:00PM
December 15th – Third Eye Blind, at the Grand Theater, Foxwoods, 8:00PM
December 21st – Justin Timberlake at Mohegan Sun Arena, 7:30PM
December 21st – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Wild Swingin’ Holiday Party, at Wolf Den, Mohegan Sun, 8:00PM
December 22nd – The Rosendale Group Presents Karol G., Noriel and Delaghetto at the Grand Theater, Foxwoods, 8:00PM
December 22nd – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Wild Swingin’ Holiday Party, at Wolf Den, Mohegan Sun, 8:00PM
December 22nd – Justin Timberlake at Mohegan Sun Arena, 7:30PM
December 23rd – David Foster & the Mohegan Sun All-Stars, at Wolf Den, Mohegan Sun, 8:00PM
December 28th, 29th – Cirque Celebration 7:00PM, 3:00PM, 7:00PM
December 31st – Rick Springfield, at the Grand Theater, Foxwoods, 9:00PM

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.  Summer Concert Series at the Darling Waterfront Pavillion is walking distance from Bangor Hollywood Casino
• Newport Grand offers Free shows by Tribute bands  almost every weekend.  Click HERE for schedule.
• Twin River Casino Lighthouse Lounge – right in the middle of the downstairs casino.  Shipyard Pub – Upstairs in Non-smoking.
• Tiverton Casino – Center Bar
• Plainridge Park Casino – the Revolution Lounge offers entertainment on the weekends
• MGM Springfield – Commonwealth Bar & Lounge
• Foxwoods – Atrium Lounge – Live bands on the weekend, specialty cocktails and great time.

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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 and Mohegan Sun Resort/Casino; Rhode Island – Tiverton Casino Hotel and Twin River Hotel/Casino; Massachusetts – Plainridge Park Casino & Raceway, MGM Springfield and Encore Boston Harbor  (opening Fall 2019); Maine –  Oxford Casino and Hollywood Bangor Hotel, Casino & Raceway.

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NETimeGambling is a non-monetized blog created with a personal interest and passion in the gambling industry – its history, and its ongoing evolution – mixed with a love for New England.  The goal of  NETimeGambling is to provide a service and resource for any recreational gambler visiting New England’s expanding casino market

Being involved in music all his life, including 41 years of choral conducting, and performing professionally since 10 years of age, Robin has performed in Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den, Foxwoods’ Atrium Lounge, and Twin River’s Lighthouse Bar & Lounge.” (All venues in New England casinos.)