Connecticut Foxwoods Casino Debuts New Senior Gaming Space
The Foxwoods Resort Casino of Connecticut has just opened a new space for seniors, reserving gaming options for players who are 55 or older.
When visiting a land-based casino, players are used to visiting certain areas, like the gaming floor and the poker room. Casinos have standard areas for gaming, with specific spots for slot games, table games, etc. Some casinos offer high limit areas, where big spenders can access higher limit games. At the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut, the casino has debuted a new space that is different than what most casinos are offering.
The casino now features a gaming space for older players, those who are 55 years of age or older. Starting on November 6, one of the gaming floors of the Rainmaker Casino of Foxwoods will be for seniors only.
Details of the Change
The move comes at a time when the older generation are more at risk of catching and passing away from the COVID-19 virus. This new space will be open every weekend from 10 am until midnight for older players. The casino is test running this amenity and it will be offered for at least the full month of November.
SVP of resort operations and interim CEO of Foxwoods, Jason Guyot, commented on the change, stating the casino is thrilled to provide this new offering to guests ages 55 and older. The new section is part of the brand’s commitment to provide an unmatched experience for guests.
Guyot pointed out that the safety of patrons is a top priority of the operator, especially after reopening amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. With this senior space, the casino can offer a safe and sanitized environment for the older players who are more at risk.
Will Players Visit?
Foxwoods first closed back in mid-March to try and slow the spread of the virus. Because the casino is operated and owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, the casino is not subject to state or federal orders. Because of this, the casino only stayed closed until June 1.
During the reopening process, the casino did well, despite only offering services at 25% capacity. In the first month of operation after reopening, the casino earned $33.6 million in slot revenues. This was a decrease from the previous year, but only by 4.9%.
However, since the first month back, the casino has seen a decrease in slot revenues. August was down 25% and September was a 20% decrease. Foxwoods seems to be using the new section for older players as a way to bring in more people.
Seniors are known for playing slot games, far more than the younger generation. With a safe slot section for the older crowd, the casino may be able to regain the losses they are seeing in the slot sector. Along with offering slot games, the special area will have a DJ on hand playing songs from the 1980s during the evening hours.
In an odd twist, the casino will also be offering complimentary cocktails with Boone’s Farm. Back in the day, Boone’s Farm was a popular drink and one that the casino seems to think players will want to enjoy and possibly reminisce while they play slots.
Committed to Safety
In the state, COVID-19 positive cases are on the rise. Governor Ned Lamont has decided to roll the state back to Phase 2.1 of its reopening plan due to the increase in cases. For the Foxwoods brand, the operator says they are committed to health safety. The casino reports a positive safety track record that is driven by guest and team members who are following the health and safety protocols.
The casino is following certain steps to ensure guest and employee safety. This includes maintaining social distancing on site as well as regular cleaning schedules.
