It may be possibly the largest gaming complex in the world but Foxwoods in Connecticut has been feeling left behind. This looks set to change with a vote by Mashantucket Pequot tribal members to approve a $700 million expansion project. The plans, to add over 2 million sq ft to the resort, include the addition of shops, restaurants, 825-room hotel tower, nightclubs, luxury spa, 5,000-seat concert venue, convention facilities and a new casino. The project is expected to be completed in 2008 and is hoped to level the competition between Foxwoods and the neighbouring Mohegan Sun Casino.

The Mohegan Sun, operated by the Mohegan Tribe in Uncasville, has a 10,000-seat arena compared to the present 1,400-seat Fox Theatre at Foxwoods. They also have smarter restaurants, themed areas and retail outlets that are generally packed with visitors. The upgrading of Foxwoods is intended to keep the complex at the forefront of the gambling market and to propel it towards becoming an international convention and destination resort.

It is not only the Mohegan Sun that poses a threat to Foxwoods’ revenues. The neighbouring states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island seem likely to relax gaming laws before too long. Financial shortfalls for states are increasingly being plugged by gaming taxes and Rhode Island last year approved a joint Harrah’s and Narrangansett Indian project for a casino complex. The vote has since been overturned on a legal technicality, but pro-gaming lawmakers are confident that the legislation can be rewritten. Rhode Island already permits two video slots parlours, one at the Lincoln Park dog track and the other at the Newport Grand jai alai complex.

The Mashantucket Pequots are studying two design themes for their expansion project and expect to make a final decision next month. Previously the tribe had commissioned studies and analysis of gaming trends before voting to approve the plans, which they will privately fund. The revamped and enlarged casino complex will be extensively marketed to ethnic minorities, having monitored the regional demographics and the success in New York of a campaign targeting Russians in the city.

Foxwoods, which grosses over $1 billion each year, intends to stay ahead of the game and fend off competition for New England’s gambling dollars. The extension to the facilities on offer at the complex should attract new customers and help it maintain a prominent position as a gaming destination both within Connecticut and beyond. (E-02.02.05)

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