Foxwoods to Open New Poker Room and Restaurant on 33rd Year

Competition in the gaming industry is not showing signs of slowing down, but Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut, is still a dominant player by continuously evolving. 

Owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, the iconic resort that welcomed Gordon Ramsey’s iconic Hells’ Kitchen in March 2023 will mark its 33rd anniversary in 2025, a testament to its ability to adapt and thrive.

Since its opening in 1992, Foxwoods has expanded far beyond its original scope, transforming into a world-class destination that rivals both tribal and commercial casinos. 

Resort officials attribute the continued success to strategic investments and enhancements that set it apart in the industry in an interview with Casino.org.

5 Casinos with 2,900 Slot Machines & 250 Live Dealer Tables 

Today, Foxwoods boasts an impressive lineup of offerings, including five casinos featuring more than 2,900 slot machines, 250 live dealer table games, bingo, keno, and sports betting. The gaming floors include exclusive high-limit areas.

It is also home to Connecticut’s top-rated public golf course, 175,000 square feet of meeting space, and premium shopping at the Tanger Outlets. 

Guests can choose from over 1,900 luxury hotel rooms, indulge in a full-service spa, and attend concerts at the resort’s 4,000-seat venue.

“We have a lot of amenities that a lot of other properties don’t,” said Bryan Hayes, senior vice president of gaming operations. 

Hayes estimated that replicating Foxwoods from the ground up would cost anywhere from “$3 billion to $5 billion.”

Staying Ahead of the Curve

While Foxwoods no longer enjoys the regional monopoly it once had, as Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York have all introduced competing casino destinations, the resort has successfully retained its loyal customer base through continuous reinvestment and innovation.

A key strategic move in recent years has been the decision to implement a smoke-free gaming environment. Hayes noted that this change has been widely accepted, given the declining number of smokers.

Although determining the financial impact of the smoking ban is complex, particularly since it coincided with COVID-19 and the subsequent industry-wide recovery, Foxwoods has remained financially resilient. 

“Post-COVID, we hit a recovery period, so we really couldn’t look back at an apples-to-apples comparison,” Hayes explained. 

Plus, the opening of MGM Springfield in Massachusetts around the same time further complicated revenue evaluations.

Entering Its 33rd Year with Big Plans

As Foxwoods enters its 33rd year, it continues to push boundaries. This spring, the resort will welcome the Great Wolf Lodge, a new amenity that will feature 575 rooms and a sprawling 100,000-square-foot indoor water park. 

Another exciting addition is The Bedford by Martha Stewart, a restaurant modeled after the lifestyle icon’s country farmhouse in Bedford, New York, offering diners an intimate taste of her signature hospitality.

Other improvements include the complete renovation of the Great Cedar Hotel guestrooms as well as the opening of a brand new poker room. 

Both moves align with Foxwoods’ commitment to elevating guest experiences.

Reflecting on Foxwoods’ journey, president and chief executive officer Jason Guyot emphasized the importance of innovation and community while describing 2025’s milestones as “more than upgrades” but a “testament” to their drive to create moments that surprise and delight guests and honor the community.