Connecticut’s reopened casinos report slightly lower slot revenues

Connecticut”™s casinos reported a mild decline in their year-over-year slot revenues for June, their first month in operation after being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Foxwoods, which is owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, announced June slot revenues of approximately $33.6 million, down from the $35.3 million recorded one year earlier. The amount slot bettors wagered in June, known as the “handle,” was $377.1 million, a drop from the $436.1 million recorded one year earlier.

Mohegan Sun, which is owned and operated by the Mohegan Tribal Nation, announced June slot revenues of more than $45.5 million, down from the $46.9 million recorded in June 2019. Mohegan Sun”™s handle was $517.5 million, a drop from $567.7 million generated one year earlier.

The casinos are required to channel 25% of slot revenues into Connecticut”™s General Fund. Foxwoods said it paid $8.4 million to the state last month while Mohegan Sun provided about $11.3 million.

The casinos are on sovereign tribal lands and were not required to observe Gov. Ned Lamont”™s executive orders regarding closing and reopening. However, both casinos voluntarily shut down for the first time in their respective histories in March to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 before reopening at the beginning of June despite Lamont’s misgivings.