New England weather in March is like Craps – hot table, cold table, pass line, don’t pass – in New England you’re best bet can be a sucker’s bet. If you’re not happy with it, then wait a minute – it’ll change. Even the flowers aren’t sure whether to start budding or not.
So many exciting and important things happening in March – St. Patrick’s Day & Irish American Month, Easter, March Madness, Music in Our Schools Month, the Ides of March (casino visit or not?), Passover and of course “PI Day.”
March comes with it’s wacky “holidays” as well, such as the 2nd Week is National Bubble Week. How about
- 3/2 Old Stuff Day
- 3/3 If Pets Had Thumbs Day
- 3/13 Ear Muff Day
- 3/15 Everything You Think is Wrong Day
- 3/20 Extraterrestrial Abductions Day
- 3/26 Make Up Your Own Holiday Day
I don’t see “Comped Room Day” or “Jackpot for Everyone Day?” I guess, as Cousin Vito says, you have to “make luck happen,”
By the way, if you haven’t checked New England’s own gambling podcast phenom, go to CousinVitosCasinoPodcast – “fun, entertainment and great interviews with gambling’s upper crust. Vito will be the Host with the Most once again for ZorkFest 2018 this Memorial Day weekend.
ZorkFest 2018 – Saturday May 26, 2018 at Treasure Island Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV. Don’t miss this special conference. “Spend a fun filled weekend in Las Vegas and come away with enhanced travel and gambling skills.” NETimeGambling will be there – will you?
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 March
CT’s Third Casino, An Underwhelming Reality?
Last week, MMCT, the joint venture between Connecticut’s Mohegan and Pequot tribes, showed a slight blueprint of what the satellite casino planned for East Windsor, a blueprint that was underwhelming. The news was that it would include 2,000 slot machines, up to 150 tables, and a five-story, 1,800-parking space garage…..It’s too bad that a hotel isn’t in the mix for East Windsor, never mind a good restaurant like Stack’s (Plainridge Park) or the many high end eateries at both Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. Or, how about some meeting space to add to the hotel to add to convention crowds from Hartford. In other words, there needs to be more incentive besides program loyalty to keep Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun patrons from crossing over the Massachusetts border. Bottom line is, why not build a world class casino, smaller scale, like those in SouthEastern CT? Something that would be able to compete with MGM Springfield. Something that costs more than $900,000.
What Did the New England Gambling Landscape Look Like Two Years Ago?
Changes, rumors and questions were rampant between 2013 & February 2016. It’s was interesting to see what had happened in that time period, considering what was expected to happen between then and now, and actually where we stand two years later. Here is look back at the news at that time, with updates as we go. Remember this was originally written in 2016. Enjoy and compare. “Two Years Ago”
Wynn Mess Reaches All the Way to New England
It’s sad to think that these allegations go back so many years and that the Massachusetts Gaming Commission turned their collective heads to not one, but two misleading activities – including the controversial land sale by Charles A. Lightbody to Wynn. Massachusetts officials says their investigation of Wynn Resorts Ltd. and the sexual misconduct allegations against its founder remains active and is a priority for the agency. Wynn Resorts is half finished building the $2.4 billion hotel and casino on the Mystic River, just outside of Boston. Andy Metzger, State House News Service, reported that on WGBH, Attorney General Maura Healey said “the Everett casino, based on the allegations, should not bear Wynn’s name. It appears Wynn’s company was not as forthcoming as they needed to be when applying for its casino license, she said, and the gaming commission needs to get to the bottom of it.” The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is quickly launching a review of whether Wynn’s alleged conduct put the company in violation of regulations — most notably, a requirement that gaming companies and their individual officers be found “suitable” for a gaming license.
Mmm Good – MGM Springfield’s Dining Options Revealed
Peter Goonan reported at MassLive about MGM Springfield’s dining options. MGM Springfield is scheduled to open in 2018. The restaurants and bars that will be part of the $960 million casino project when it opens in September will include “a diverse culinary portfolio headlined by award-winning Chef Michael Mina’s Italian coastal concept Cal Mare.” The casino also will feature original MGM Resorts restaurants including The Chandler Steakhouse, South End Market and TAP Sports Bar.
- Michael Mina’s Cal Mare restaurant will feature “the best of coastal Italian cuisine.
- The Chandler Steakhouse gets its name from a Springfield landmark, the former Union House Hotel, which was later renamed the Chandler Hotel. It was preserved as part of the casino project and will be run by Meghan Gill.
- The South End Market will feature “quick-casual dining spots including: Wicked Noodles, pan-Asian restaurant; Jack’s Lobster Shack, offering lobster rolls and New England-style clam chowder; an all-American eatery at Bill’s Diner; and healthy options at the Hearth Grill.”
- TAP Sports Bar continues on the success of the bars that exist at the MGM Grand Las Vegas, MGM Grand Detroit and MGM National Harbor. It will include a 10-lane bowling alley, arcade and beer garden.
Maine Gets ANOTHER Look at Casinos – This Time It’s Tribal
Native America tribes in Maine are hoping to gain the ability to open casinos in the state without first seeking state approval. DAVID SHELDON of Casino.org. reports that in order to do so, they hope to get a legislative order from the Maine House of Representatives that would ask the state’s Supreme Judicial Court whether that is possible under state law. The order was proposed by Representative Henry John Bear, who represents the Houlton Band of Maliseets but does not have a vote in the state legislature. Indian gaming has never been approved in the state. While there have been numerous bills proposed over the course of many years, none of them have ever had enough support to gain approval in the state legislature, then took a swipe at MGM for coming into Connecticut “with a one-trick pony and promise everyone the moon and the fence around it.”
Open Bidding Kept Alive in Connecticut Legislature
The Connecticut legislature voted 18-6 in favor of holding public hearings on the proposal seeking a competitive bidding process for a commercial casino in the state despite objections from the co-chairman of the General Assembly’s Public Safety Committee, the Hartford Courant reported. In a last ditch effort to save the casino expansion bill, Democratic State Rep. Jeffrey Berger emphasized one side saying, “The process here is important, and the process here is that there are many members certainly in the House—not sure how it falls in the Senate—but certainly many members and colleagues both as Democrats and Republicans in the House are very concerned about having an open, public discussion on a proposal for commercial gaming,” Sen. Tim Larson who voted against the public hearings, reminded his colleagues that the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes, operators of Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun, had been strong partners of Connecticut as they contribute $7 billion to state coffers. More work to be done….we’ll keep you posted.
Stony Creek Brewery Coming to Foxwoods
Foxwoods announced that Stony Creek Brewery, a fully operational brewpub with an award-winning beer selection, will open in this summer of 2018. Located next to the Fox Theater, this brewery will be Stony Creek’s second brewing operation following their flagship Branford, Connecticut location. With two floors, 7,100 square feet, and seating for over three hundred guests, Stony Creek Brewery will be a paradise for craft brew lovers and an oasis for Foxwoods guests looking to relax and enjoy some delicious food and drink.
Both floors of Stony Creek Brewery will offer distinct experiences. The ground floor will be designed as an ode to Stony Creek’s New England heritage with a spacious beer garden and a brew deck with a view into the brewhouse, giving guests a first-hand look at the beer production process. For those looking to pair their beer with a bite to eat, menu items will be served. The chic second-floor design includes a full cocktail bar with a southern California theme, a stage for live entertainment and an elevated banquet table overlooking the property. Guests will also be able to lounge in the Pool House, an intimate space with canvas privacy screens, integrated bar counter and a large HD video screen.
Brewmaster Andy Schwartz will lead the team in charge of beer production and innovation and the brewery will feature multiple high-definition TVs, family-style and communal seating, and a gift shop with promotional items including coasters, shirts and posters.
Event Spotlight
Event SpotlightOn April 20th & 21st, both Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun will be the place for gamblers to meet. 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
Entertainment
HEADLINERS
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
March 3rd & 4th – Human Nature at the Fox Theater, Foxwoods, 8:00 & 7:00PM
March 8th – Alice Cooper at Mohegan Sun Arena, 8:00PM
March 9th – Chaka Khan at the Twin River Events Center, 8:00pm
March 9 & 10 – The Ultrasonic Rock Orchestra at the Fox Theater, Foxwoods, 8:00PM
March 10 & 11 – Cirque Dreams Revealed, at Mohegan Sun Arena – check for times
March 10th – Stevie Winwood at the Grand Theater, Foxwoods, 8:00PM
March 17th – Jeffrey Osborne at the Fox Theater, Foxwoods, 8:00PM
March 22nd – Judas Priest at Mohegan Sun Arena, 7:00PM
March 24th – Rod Stewart at Mohegan Sun Arena, 7:30PM
March 24th – R&B Remix featuring Brandy, Ashanti, Avant and Lil Mo, Grand Theater, Foxwoods, 8:00PM
March 31st – Michael Carbonaro at the Fox Theater, Foxwoods, 7:00PM & 10:30PM
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
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
FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO
Foxwoods Poker Classic – March 9 – 26, 2018.
Deal of a Lifetime Blackjack Tournament – 7 WINNERS – $135,000 in Guaranteed Prizes. Earn Entries: March 1-29. Activate Entries: March 30 – 6am-7pm. Drawing: March 30 at 8pm. Deal of a Lifetime Game at 9pm in the Grand Pequot Casino
ST. PATRICK’S DAY BINGO. – Saturday, March 17th.
Foxwoods® Resort Casino’s Shamrocked Pub Crawl returns this St. Patrick’s Day. Cost is $10. Guests 21+ can enjoy a pub crawl which features beverage specials at participating locations and all Pub Crawl guests will have a chance to win great prizes that include Foxwoods show tickets. Shamrocked kicks off at 6:00 p.m. at the The Celebration Zone on the Retail Concourse of the Great Cedar hotel and culminates at 12:00 a.m. at Centrale Fox Tower where the grand prizes will be given away.
ULTIMATE EASTER HOT SEAT,Saturday, March 31st, from 2-8PM
TUESDAY SLOT TOURNAMENTS are back. Every Tuesday in March | 2pm – 8pm
MOHEGAN SUN
STATUS POINT MAYHEM, Friday, March 2nd 2018, 6:00am to Midnight. Status Multipliers throughout the day from 2X to 5X, each to be hit at least twice in the day.
Slam Dunk Giveaway – March 12th – March 15th
POINT MULTIPLIERS – 3X Status multiplier on March 29th, and Double Status, Double Momentum points on March 18th.
NEWPORT GRAND
5X Rewards Points every Tuesday in March.
Win a Norwegian Cruise for two – WIN: Saturday, March 10 from 3PM – 6PM, 1 winner every hour. Rewards members must swipe their Rewards Card at a promotional kiosk beginning at 10AM on March 10, 2018 to qualify and receive a free entry.
$20,000 O’Lucky Bucks Sweepstakes –Win $250 Cash. WIN: Saturday, March 17, 2018 from 2PM-9:30PM, 5 winners every ½ hour
Macy’s $500 Gift Card Extravaganza Sweepstakes. WIN: Friday, March 9, 2018 from 12PM-7PM and Saturday, March 10, 2018 from 1PM-7PM
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
St. Patrick’s Day Buffet – Saturday, March 17, 2018, 4:00pm – 9:00pm, $24.95 per person. Enjoy a lucky Irish lunch buffet featuring corned beef and many more Irish favorites. Limited space available. Reservations required. Call 207-539-6705.
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
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
Marquee Millionaire – Earn Entries March 3rd to win a chance to play in the Millionaire Marquee Slot Tournament at M Resort in Las Vegas
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
March 3rd -5th – Mohegan Sun Arena – AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
March 16th – Mohegan Sun Arena – NEW ENGLAND BLACK WOLVES VS. TORONTO ROCK, 7:30PM
March 23rd – Mohegan Sun Arena – NEW ENGLAND BLACK WOLVES VS. BUFFALO BANDITS, 7:30PM
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.”
