A favorite visit for February Events and Activities in New England is New England Network, New England.com. It is an absolute wealth of information and insight including Travel Directories, Free Guides, a calendar of events, and much more. Podcasts, Yankee Magazine, YankeeTV, and New England links will keep you up to date on all that is New England anytime (or should I say NETime) of the year. Visiting New England? Visit NewEngland.com.
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.
The News for January
THE RACE TO SPORTS BETTING in NEW ENGLAND CASINOS
MOHEGAN SUN WINS MAJORITY OF AWARDS
The annual NETimeGambling Gambling Awards were handed out in January. Mohegan Sun continued to be dominant in awards both by popular poll and NETime Editor’s choice. The Sun won best dining options and value, best buffet, best entertainment venues, best video poker, & best players club. Foxwoods continued to hold on to best Poker Room & Hotels. For the entire list of winners, click on NETimeGambling 2017 Awards.
MGM SPRINGFIELD PROGRESS INCREASES ANTICIPATION
CONNECTICUT CASINO MOVING FORWARD
LOVE IS IN THE AIR
While the “BIG GAME” parties are being planned, New England’s Casinos are also planning promotions for Valentine’s Day. Watch for separate posts at NETimeGambling the first week of February for the many ways you may show that special person how much you care, and for the options to celebrate that Special Super Game at your New England Casinos.
WYNN BOSTON HARBOR UPDATE 
Roughly 20 months before it is scheduled to open, the Wynn Resorts casino on the Mystic River is beginning to round into shape. Road improvement work has started in areas around the Wynn Boston Harbor Resort including Sullivan Square, Route 99/Broadway, Sweetser Circle and Santilli Circle. Wynn has announced earlier that more than $1 million in wages and benefits have been paid to Everett residents who are working union construction jobs at the five-star Wynn Boston Harbor resort. Mark Arsenault of the Boston Globe describes the progress he has witnessed: “The easiest way to understand the project is to break it into sections, beginning with the northeastern side, farthest from the river. That space will be home for hotel and casino functions that guests never see, such as the laundry facilities, offices, and the employee dining area. These are known as back-of-the-house operations. This section is the most complete. It is enclosed and watertight. Interior walls are being built, wiring is going in. Some of the interior walls have already been painted, and the exterior facade is being installed.
The next section, heading toward the river, is the massive gambling floor, built above the underground parking garage…..When the resort opens, it will be possible to walk around the mezzanine and look down upon the casino’s thousands of slot machines and table games….Moving further toward the river, the mezzanine level overlooks the lobby, where a long glass wall will face the Mystic. There is a large hole in the lobby roof, awaiting installation of a skylight. Eventually, two curved escalators — not yet installed — will connect the lobby floor to the mezzanine. Peter Campot, director of construction for the project, said, “Construction is “spot-on schedule,’………We have a plan to work through the entire winter.”
OXFORD CASINO OPENS HOTEL & OX PUB
The Oxford Casino, in Oxford Maine and owned by Churchill Downs Inc., opened a brand new 107-room hotel in November, which added an additional 65 jobs to the local economy. The Oxford Casino now employs more than 500 people, making it one of the largest employers in the Oxford Hills. Along with the new hotel, Oxford added another dining option, The Ox Pub. The brand new OX Pub offers a menu of Maine-inspired entrees with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients providing a nice blend of upscale and casual dining, with a complete bar of coffee drinks and an extensive selection of Maine craft beers.
Dining Spotlight – Slacks Oyster Bar & Grill, Plainridge Park Casino, Plainville MA
Just a few minutes south of Patriot Place, the home of the AFC Champion New England Patriots, is Massachusetts only open casino – Plainridge Park Casino & Raceway. There are things it doesn’t have – real table games, free drink service (thanks Mass Gaming Commission) and a connected hotel on the premises. But what it does have is a terrific high-end restaurant called Slacks Oyster House and Grill.
Its menu is a unique combination of seafood and steakhouse fare. The atmosphere is clean, modern and seemingly quiet from the immediate hustle bustle of the casino right outside. Fresh Seafood & Hand Cut Steaks prepared, great sides like their Mac n Cheese were quite the surprise. And their bar features the best in local micro brews, wine selection and specialty cocktails for every season.
We all had their Prime Rib Special after watching the Patriots beat the Jags at Gillette stadium. We will be reviewing Slack’s this month more in depth. In the meantime, check it out at Plainridge Park.
Entertainment
HEADLINERS
February 1st – Walker Hayes at Mohegan Sun Wolf Den (free) 8:00PM
February 2nd – David Foster & The Mohegan Sun All-Stars at Mohegan Sun Wolf Den (free) 8:00PM
February 2nd & 3rd – JACKY CHEUNG “A CLASSIC TOUR”at Mohegan Sun Arena; 9:00PM
February 2nd & 3rd – Gilbert Gottfried, 8:00pm at Comix Comedy Club, Mohegan Sun
February 3rd – Chris Young | Losing Sleep World Tour, Grand Theater, Foxwoods, 7:30PM
February 9th – An Evening of Love, Featuring Brian McKnight, K-Ci & JoJo, Christopher Williams and Al B. Sure; Grand Theater, Foxwoods, 8:00PM
February 9th – The Recording Company at the Fox Theater, Foxwoods, 8:00PM
February 10th – Dwight Yokum at the Fox Theater, Foxwoods, 8:00PM
February 10th – Riverdance – Grand Theater, Foxwoods, 8:00PM
February 10th – Juston McKinney at The Loft at Plainridge Park Casino
February 11th – Riverdance – Grand Theater, Foxwoods, 7:00PM
February 11th – SPINNATO’S MAGIC MATINEE, 5:00pm & 8:00 at Comix Comedy Club, Mohegan Sun
February 13th – Romeo Santos – Grand Theater, Foxwoods, 8:00PM
February 17th – Cole Swindell, at Mohegan Sun Arena; 7:30pm
February 17th – The Ultrasonic Rock Orchestra at the Fox Theater, Foxwoods, 8:00PM
February 17th – Taylor Dayne, at Mohegan Sun Wolf Den (free) 8:00PM
February 18th – SPINNATO’S MAGIC MATINEE, 5:00pm at Comix Comedy Club, Mohegan Sun
February 18th – John “Dr. Dirty” Valby, 8:00pm at Comix Comedy Club, Mohegan Sun
February 23rd – Lisa Lampanelli at the Fox Theater, Foxwoods, 8:00PM
February 23rd – LITTLE BIG TOWN WITH SPECIAL GUESTS KACEY MUSGRAVES & MIDLAND, at Mohegan Sun Arena; 7:30pm
February 23rd – Uriah Heep at Mohegan Sun Wolf Den (free) 8:00PM
February 23rd – MIKE GIRARD’S BIG SWINGING THING, 8:00-11:00, by The Loft at Plainridge Park Casino
February 24th – The Dan Band at the Fox Theater, Foxwoods, 8:00PM
February 24th – Dropkick Murphys’ Pre-Show Party with Pro Boxing, 3:00pm at Convention Center And Uncas Ballroom, Mohegan Sun
February 24th – Dropkick Murphys – at Mohegan Sun Arena; 7:30pm
February 24th – SPINNATO’S MAGIC MATINEE, 5:00pm at Comix Comedy Club, Mohegan Sun
March 2nd – Weird Al Yankowic at the Fox Theater, Foxwoods, 8:00PM
March 2nd – Foreigner at the Grand Theater, Foxwoods, 8:00PM
March 2nd – Kid Rock at Mohegan Sun Arena , 7:30PM
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
HOLLYWOOD BANGOR
Jackpot Extravaganza – WIN YOUR SHARE OF $7,500 IN FREE SLOTPLAY. You can earn one ballot for every taxable Jackpot hit of $1,200 or more from now through February 23. Deposit your ballots into the Slot Machine Ballot Drum starting at 3PM on February 23rd. 26 winners will be drawn to win a share of $7,500 in Free SlotPlay. Earn double ballots every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.
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
FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO
Win a Trip to Las Vegas – Simply play your favorite slots or table games with your Foxwoods Rewards card. EARN ENTRIES | JANUARY 28 – FEBRUARY 23. For every two (2) Rewards Points earned between January 28 – February 23, you will receive one entry into the drawing. GRAND PRIZE DRAWING | FEBRUARY 24, 8PM
Fort Knox Slot Promotion Gold Rush – Thursday, February 1 • 3:30pm – 6pm • Grand Pequot Casino – from 3:30PM to 6PM, receive $20 Bonus Slot Play to be used at the Fort Knox machines. Play 5 spins at the max bet of $4 and the golden winnings go right in your pocket!
Winter Deep Freeze Poker Challenge, February 5th – 12th – for details, Click HERE
High Stakes President’s Day Weekend Mini-Mega Bingo – for more details, click HERE.
Big Game Hot Seat Sweepstakes, Sunday, February 4 • 12pm- 6pm – Win $1000 every 30 minutes!! Plus Big Game Prizes like: Autographed Memorabilia, Jerseys, Footballs and more. Guests will be entered while actively playing any slot machine or table game with their Foxwoods Rewards Card. One guest will be selected in the “hot seat” every 30 minutes and win $1000 Cash and great prizes. Keep an eye out for the Prize Patrol
26th Anniversary Cake Cutting – Thursday, February 15 • 2:00PM • Grand Pequot Tower Rotunda
MOHEGAN SUN
OLYMPUB GAMES 2018 – Celebrate the world’s best competition bar-style in The Olympub Games presented by Mohegan Sun. Gather your team of two and compete in the ultimate series of popular drinking games. DJ entertainment and cash bar available. Games include:Giant Beer Pong, Kan Jam, Oversized Jenga, Cornhole, & Ladderball. For application and more details, click HERE.
MOHEGAN SUN’S BEST IN THE WORLD GIVEAWAY – Thursday, February 1st – Thursday, February 8th. WIN YOUR SHARE OF $10,000 IN CASH. Click here for details.
FAT TIRE FRIDAY at New Belgium Brewing Taproom, Friday, February 9th & 23rd 2018 at 4:00pm. A member of the New Belgium team will be available from 7:00pm – 9:00pm with giveaways and samplings
FOREVER YOUNG MONDAYS, until Monday, February 26th 2018. 60+ special dining and retail offers, entertainment and a new free gift every Monday,
MULTIPLIERS – 3X Status multiplier on February 18th, and Double Status, Double Momentum points on February 9th.
NEWPORT GRAND
5X Rewards Points every Tuesday in February.
$20,000 Free Play Sweepstakes – WIN: Fridays, February 2 & 16 from 2PM – 8PM, 8 winners every ½ hour
$10,000 Presidents’ Day Sweepstakes – WIN: Monday, February 19 from 12PM – 6PM, 8 winners every ½ hour
OXFORD CASINO
BUFFET MADNESS
Valentine’s Buffet, Wednesday, February 14, 2018, 5:00pm – 9:30pm. $32.95 per person, Featuring carved prime rib, lobster tail, peel and eat shrimp, and decadent desserts. Limited space available.Reservations recommended. Call 207-539-6705.
Presidents Day Buffet, Monday, February 19, 2018, 10:30am – 3:00pm, $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:Fat Stacks of CASH, 2017 Birthday Bash, SATURDAY – Super 6, SUNDAY – 16X Multiplier TUESDAY – $5 Spaghetti Lunch & 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
ONGOING PROMOTIONS: PIRATES GOLD, Mondays from 6AM-11:59PM. Earn 500 points and receive a Pirate’s Gold Bonus of $10 to $50 Free SlotPlay, MYSTERYBOX Wednesdays from 3PM-7PM. Earn 500 points on your Marquee Rewards card and claim a gift from 3pm-7pm, P OF DIAMONDS 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
TWIN RIVER CASINO
Win a Norwegian Cruise for Two – EARN: February 1 – 22. WIN: Thursdays in February (1, 8, 15 & 22); two drawings every hour from 5pm – 9pm
Sporting Events
February 2nd – Twin River Event Center – CES MMA – 7:00pm – Starring World Champion Matt Bessette plus Greg Rebello, Dinis Paiva, Kaline Medeiros and more!
February 3rd – Foxwoods, Fox Theater – Lion Fight Promotions – Muay Thai combat; 7:00PM
February 9th – Mohegan Sun Arena – National Lacrosse League, New England Black Wolves vs. Buffalo Bandits at 7:30pm
February 16th – Mohegan Sun Arena – BELLATOR MMA – A NIGHT OF FIGHTS at 6:30pm
February 18th – Mohegan Sun Arena – NEW ENGLAND BLACK WOLVES VS. COLORADO MAMMOTH, special “HUNTER’S BIRTHDAY” Birthday Celebration, 2:00pm
February 23rd – Twin River Event Center – CES Boxing – 7:00pm
March 3rd -5th – Mohegan Sun Arena – AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
NETimeGambling is a non-monetized blog created for my interest in gambling – its history and its evolution – the casino business, and 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 became a fascination. “It allows us to witness the best and worst of human nature and human interaction. This blog is the passion behind all of that.”
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.”
