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Slots revenue down at Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun
By Gale Courey Toensing
Story Published: Nov 21, 2009 
MASHANTUCKET, Conn. – The two largest Indian casinos in the country reported that slot machines revenues continued to fall in October.
Both the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, which owns Foxwoods Resort Casino and MGM Grand at Foxwoods, and the Mohegan Tribe, which owns Mohegan Sun, reported slot revenue declines of around four percent in October. But the declines were much less than the double digit fall offs in recent months.
The Mashantucket Pequots reported to the Connecticut Division of Special Revenue Nov. 16 that slot revenue was $54.8 million in October, down from $57.1 million in October 2008.
“This amount represents a slight decrease of four percent in slot win and a decrease of 11.9 percent in total slot handle as compared to October of 2008,” the nation said in a statement.
The Mohegan Tribe reported slot revenues of $62.9 million in October, down from $65.4 million a year ago.
Foxwoods and MGM Grand earned nearly the same in September and October, while Mohegan Sun reported around a $3.5 million, or approximately six percent, increase over September.
The casinos each contribute 25 percent of their gross slot revenue to the state, according to their compacts.
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation reported a $13.9 million payment to the state for October compared to a $14.3 million payment for September 2009.
The Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority contributed $15.7 million to the state for that month.
The Mashantucket Pequots’ gaming operation has contributed almost $3 billion since Foxwoods opened in 1993, and the Mohegan Tribe’s casino has contributed almost $2.5 billion since it started in 1996.
Michael Speller, the president of Mashantucket Pequot Gaming Enterprise, pointed to gains in other areas of the casino operation.
“Despite the fact that we’ve seen a slight decrease in revenue compared to October of last year, our near 100 percent occupancy rates demonstrate that our signature Foxwoods Five Star service, award-winning gaming and world-class entertainment continue to attract consumers,” Speller said.
Mohegan Sun also continues to see 100 percent occupancy at its hotel. Both casinos draw huge crowds to their entertainment venues and first class performers. At Foxwoods, the lineup for the holiday season includes Jerry Seinfeld, former Creedence Clearwater Revival star John Fogerty, country superstar Wynonna, and family-friendly shows, such as “Cirque Dreams Holidaze.” At Mohegan Sun, upcoming entertainment includes shows Robin Williams, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefer Band.
http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/business/70279302.html
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