Foxwoods Resort’s Pequot Woodlands Casino Opening Date Set

Article ByDavid Weir

August 21, 2023

Spread the Word:

Posted in: Connecticut Gambling News, US Casino News

Foxwoods Resort Casino, owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, has officially set the date for the grand opening of its new Connecticut casino, Pequot Woodlands (rendering pictured).

The casino is scheduled to welcome its first patrons on August 29 at Grand Pequot Concourse, near Norwich, Connecticut.

Spanning an impressive 300,000 square feet, the casino boasts more than 400 slot machines, 24 table games, and a dedicated VIP gambling room and a full-service slot bar.

Beyond the gaming facilities, visitors can indulge in diverse dining options, including a branch of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen restaurant.

“We are proud to open our Pequot Woodlands Casino, one of the most significant property updates we have made in recent years,” said Jason Guyot, the CEO and president of Foxwoods Resort Casino, in a company press release.

“This incredible achievement speaks volumes about Foxwoods’ growth and innovation over the past year, as we continue to focus on offering our guests world-class amenities. We are excited for our guests to experience this dynamic new gaming area, right in the heart of the resort.”

Woodlands Theme and Lodges

The newest Connecticut brick & mortar casino venue is inspired by the state’s natural beauty, with interiors mirroring wooded landscapes throughout.

The design choices incorporate “Pequot symbols that celebrate community and alliance,” including the three-ring motif and custom chandeliers inspired by clouds and tree canopies. It also claims wood-wrapped pillars and a carpet that’s supposed to look like light through trees, apparently.

As well as the woodlands-inspired gaming, customers can chow down on some burgers and other fast food options at growing chain Wahlburgers, and the aforementioned restaurant of British chef Ramsay.

The Casino will also, eventually, be adjoined by Great Wolf Lodge adventure park and hotel, set to open in 2025.

Wider Landscape

Foxwoods Resort Casino is already one of the most popular casinos in Connecticut, with two hotel towers, a dedicated VIP poker room and over 35 eateries and bars.

The addition of this second venue, set to open this month, will not really be competition – but more of an additional attraction for visitors to the Grand Pequot Concourse resort area.

The expansion could be seen as part of a wider effort to keep up with Foxwood’s rivals in the state.

Connecticut’s second-most popular casino venue is the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville. Opened in 1996, the property has gone through multiple renovations over the years. Most recently it partnered with Tesla to offer a showroom at the casino property.

Connecticut doesn’t allow direct electric vehicle sales, instead forcing Tesla to go through dealerships. The state says that’s to protect local car dealers. But Tesla says the showrooms often don’t do enough to sell the EVs over their rivals’ traditional stock.  

To that end, it has been partnering with tribal casino operators in states with such laws, where it can directly sell its own cars from a location outside of state jurisdiction.

U.S tribal casino operators, like the two biggest casino venues in Connecticut, made a reported total of $40.9 billion in revenue in 2022.