Foxwoods Resort Casino: Casino And Sports Betting Overview

Foxwoods plans for CT sports betting

The Mashantucket Pequot has been ahead of the game in terms of offering legal wagering in Connecticut.

A March 2021 agreement with Gov. Ned Lamont renewed the tribe’s compact with the state set up an avenue for the Mashantucket Pequot to launch regulated betting in the state. That deal still needs federal approval, but the groundwork has been laid.

Under terms of the agreement, the tribe will be able to open a retail sportsbook at Foxwoods as well as launch a CT betting app. Well before this compact came to be, however, the Mashantucket Pequot had a partner in place.

In December 2020, the tribe reached a “multi-channel” agreement with Boston-based DraftKings that would allow the operator to roll out a platform for daily fantasy sports and, eventually, legal sports betting in Connecticut.

When DraftKings Sportsbook CT actually goes live depends on how quickly lawmakers can approve both the compact with the tribe and regulatory legislation as well as the timing of federal approval by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Online casino plans for Foxwoods

On top of sports betting, the agreed-upon compact with the state would also authorize the Mashantucket to integrate online casino gaming in Connecticut. Lawmakers are still working on passing legislation firmly defining that vertical. But as it stands, “online casino gaming” includes:

• Slots
• Blackjack
• Craps
• Roulette
• Baccarat
• Poker
• Video poker
• Bingo
• Live dealer
• Other peer-to-peer games

What was not detailed in the deal with DraftKings is if the operator would also integrate its online casino. DraftKings has introduced that platform in four states, including nearby New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

However, it would seem the most realistic option considering the multi-channel agreement DraftKings entered into with the Mashantucket.

Foxwoods Resort Casino gaming

Because of the massive size of the resort, visitors usually have no problem finding games to suit their tastes. The six casinos house thousands of points of access to just about every type of casino gaming imaginable.

Slots

Between the six casinos, there are over 3,400 slot machines to choose from when at full capacity. Payouts have soared into the millions in the past, with plays costing anywhere from $0.25 to $25. Among the most popular titles are:

• 12X Pay
• Big Wheel Railroads
• Dragon Cash
• Lightning Strike
• Tarzan

Table games

Foxwoods offers a wide array of gaming tables with buy-in limits starting as low as $5.

The normal schedule allows the property to run different promotions on certain games throughout the week. For example, there is Happy Hour Blackjack on Fridays from noon to 6 p.m. at the Grand Pequot Casino. All of the casinos also offer the Spanish 21 variant of blackjack as well.

For players looking for poker-based variant card games, the facilities have several options. Those include:

• Standard 3-Card
• Criss Cross Poker
• Jackpot Holdem
• Pai Gow Poker
• Super 4 Poker

Guests will also find a Tiles variant of Pai Gow. Craps, roulette, and mini-baccarat are available as well.

Poker

True to the theme of massive size, Foxwoods boasts one of the largest poker rooms in the world with 114 tables. In addition to games that are available around the clock, the resort holds regular tournaments in non-pandemic times. Games you will typically find include:

• Hold’em
• No-Limit Hold’em
• Pot-Limit
• Stud

Racebook

There isn’t any live harness racing anywhere on the resort. But the Rainmaker Casino does have simulcast wagering available.

In addition to pari-mutuel pools for horse races, you can enjoy live sports, beverage service, and dining options while at the racebook.

Bingo

There is room for hundreds of people in the bingo hall on the resort property, with games running Wednesday through Sunday.

Cashiers open at 8 a.m., the doors follow suit at 9 a.m., and games go from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Evening sessions start with cashiers opening at 4 p.m., doors opening an hour later, and then games kicking off at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $10 for either session Wednesday through Friday. On the weekends, admission goes up to $20.

Game payouts are $500 during the week but increase to $1,000 on the weekends.

Amenities at Foxwoods Resort Casino

If you’re not interested in gambling or just want to take a break from playing, there is no shortage of other options on the resort grounds.

Because of the size of the facility, you can find numerous entertainment options that really make it unnecessary to leave the property. From dining, family activities, golf, and shopping, there’s something for everyone.

Hotel

With two towers and three more unique accommodations, the five distinct hotels give visitors the number of options you would expect from such a huge facility.

The Grand Pequot Tower boasts 699 rooms, 86 suites and 23 villas. A AAA Three-Diamond destination, the Great Cedar Hotel features 317 rooms and suites. If that isn’t to your liking, the Fox Tower steps it up a notch with AAA Four Diamond service. The Villas at Foxwoods offer the ultimate in private accommodations and five-star service.

Finally, the 280 rooms at Two Trees Inn offer the unique aesthetic of a quintessential country destination.

Dining

From fine dining to grab-and-go options, there is something to suit your taste any time of the day and night on-site.

In addition, there are many bars and lounges on top of a food court with dozens of national brands that should be familiar to guests.

• Alta Strada: Fine Italian by Chef Michael Schlow
• California Pizza Kitchen: A fast-casual pizzeria
• Caputo Trattoria: Italian with an award-winning wine program
• Cedars Steaks & Oysters: American steakhouse with cocktails
• David Burke Prime: American steakhouse sourced from Kentucky’s Creekstone Farms
• Golden Dragon: Cantonese cuisine with delicacies inspired by Hong Kong
• Guy Fieri’s Kitchen & Bar: Signature menu items from Trash Can Nachos to Lobster Agra Diavolo
• Hard Rock Café: American classics surrounded by rock ‘n roll aesthetics
• Johnny Rockets: A throwback to mid-20th century burger and milkshake diners
• Junior’s Restaurant: Known for its coffee and cheesecake
• Pequot Café: Incorporating seasonal ingredients into Native American selections
• Rainmaker Buffet: With options from around the world and made-to-order selections, something for every palate
• Red Lantern: Sushi, Asians salads and soups, cocktails
• The Scorpion Bar: Pairs over 100 types of tequila with Mexican cuisine
• Sugar Factory: Couture pops, smoking goblet drinks, and candy-infused cocktails
• Veranda Café: Famous for its breakfast menu options with a view of the woods around the property
• Vue 24: Menu items with seasonal produce from around New England

Entertainment

Performers of all kinds come through the property year-round. These include comedians, musicians, and other types of live shows.

You’ll find live comedy on a regular basis at the Comedic Corner at Centrale. The Centrale Fox Tower also features theatres for live performances. The Atrium Bar often hosts live DJs, and Shrine is a hotspot for musicians.

Family entertainment options include the Foxwoods Drive-In, go-karts, virtual reality exhibits, and a zip line.

The Fox Tower also features Topgolf Swing Suite, the popular golf gaming experience. For the real thing, Lake of Isles sits as the top golf course in Connecticut.

History of Foxwoods Resort Casino

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation is truly one of the pioneers of tribal gaming, not only as it relates to casinos in Connecticut but also in North America.

In 1983, the US Department of the Interior took the land necessary for the resort into trust for the tribe. It needed an act of Congress to do so, even overriding a veto by then-President Ronald Reagan.

In 1986, the Mashantucket Pequot opened its first gaming facility, which was just a bingo hall at the time. Soon thereafter, an investment from Malaysian casino developer Lim Goh Tong spurred the development of the resort.

The tribe entered a compact with the state of Connecticut in 1990. That agreement expanded twice over the next three years to allow for poker and table games in addition to slots. The poker room opened in 1995. Numerous expansions have taken place since, bringing the resort’s total area to over 9 million square feet.