Mohegan Sun Archives

Caesars, Mohegan Sun casinos in Incheon delayed as projects hit snags

Casino

By Erik Gibbs

20 October 2020

Money issues are keeping the massive casino resort projects from continuing, but help could be on the way for one.

Connecticut’s tribal gaming operators will partially reopen their venues on June 1, much to the chagrin of the state’s governor. On Wednesday, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe announced that they would “begin the reopening of portions” of their reservations, which include (respectively) the Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun, which were shut on March 17 to minimize spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. https://calvinayre.com/tag/foxwoods-resort-casino/ https://calvinayre.com/tag/mohegan-sun/ The tribes say they collaborated on new safety protocols and operating procedures to minimize risks to both casino guests and staff, including protective equipment, physical distancing and mandatory masks for guests. Neither property will open its buffets, concert venues or poker rooms, while tenant restaurants will be open on a take-out only basis. The casinos also “will be catering to Connecticut and Rhode Island residents only.” No out-of-state buses will be “accepted” and “no out-of-state marketing to New York or Massachusetts will take place at either property,” although one suspects the odd VIP gambler from those states might just find a way through these roadblocks. The tribes might be in agreement but Gov. Ned Lamont called the decision to reopen an “incredible risk,” both for staff and guests, particularly “older people … with pre-existing conditions.” Lamont further claimed that “it’s risky for the region because you have a lot of employees that go back out into the region.” Mohegan Tribe chairman James Gessner responded to Lamont’s concerns by noting the tribes’ commitment to deter most out-of-state customers and their public statements about urging older customers to “take specific precautions and to stay home if they are part of an at-risk group.” Mashantucket Pequot chairman Rodney Butler told the Associated Press that state officials were welcome to tour the casinos and, if they can find “something that we’re doing in operations that we can do for the better, we’re certainly open to those conversation.” https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/connecticut/articles/2020-05-21/tribes-open-to-suggestions-but-still-plan-to-reopen-casinos Whatever Lamont’s concerns, he’s effectively powerless to stop the federally recognized tribes from doing as they please on their sovereign territory – although he noted Thursday that the state controls their liquor licenses. And the tribes have their own concerns, given that the casinos are the primary economic engines of their peoples. MGE SEEKS $100M That economic urgency was underscored this week following reports that Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment (MGE) had missed a self-imposed deadline of May 11 to raise $100m. The company is looking to ensure its liquidity position as well as fund its expansion projects, including the Hellinikon integrated resort project in Greece. https://calvinayre.com/tag/mohegan-gaming-entertainment/ https://calvinayre.com/tag/hellinikon/ Bloomberg reported that MGE had offered to pay 14% interest for a new loan maturing in October 2021 but would-be lenders were spooked by a variety of factors, including around $400m of MGE debt that comes due in 2021 and questions over whether claims could be made on MGE assets on tribal land should the company default. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/mohegan-sun-tribal-owners-pushback-113044525.html The news will likely be used by US tribal gaming operator Hard Rock International (HRI), which still hasn’t gotten over the fact that MGE was chosen to build Hellinikon over HRI. https://calvinayre.com/2020/05/07/casino/greek-court-rejects-hard-rock-appeal-hellinikon-casino-license/

Connecticut governor calls casino reopening plans “incredible risk”

Casino

By Steven Stradbrooke

21 May 2020

Encore Boston punishing Massachusetts’ other casinos

Casino

By Peter Amsel

15 January 2020

Wynn Resorts' Encore Boston Harbor casino has record month in December while state's other two casinos suffer record lows; Connecticut slots decline again.

Connecticut’s tribal casinos blame regional rivals for revenue dip

Casino

By Peter Amsel

3 January 2020

Connecticut's two tribal casinos -- Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun -- each report annual net revenue declines due to increased regional competition.

Mohegan Sun casino growing tired of Eugene Melnyk’s stalling

Casino

By Peter Amsel

9 December 2019

A handwriting expert hired by the Mohegan Sun casino says it's "highly probable" that Eugene Melnyk signed five dishonored credit markers worth $900k.

US gov’t sides with Connecticut tribes in MGM fight

Casino

By Erik Gibbs

18 November 2019

The casino giant is afraid of losing gamblers that may have otherwise hit the MGM Springfield across the border in Massachusetts.

TAO Restaurant’s sixth destination to open at Mohegan Sun

Press Releases

By Press Releases

23 October 2019

Mohegan Sun and Tao Group Hospitality announced that TAO Restaurant will open inside Mohegan Sun’s flagship Connecticut property in 2020.

NHL owner claims casino “refused” request to cash out

Casino

By Peter Amsel

2 October 2019

Eugene Melnyk, owner of the NHL's Ottawa Senators, says the Mohegan Sun casino "refused" to cash out his chips when he was winning, leading to $900k debt.

Ottawa Senators owner faces Mohegan Sun lawsuit over $1M in bounced checks

Ottawa Senators owner faces casino lawsuit for $1M in bounced checks

Casino

By Erik Gibbs

16 September 2019

Eugene Melnyk is facing a lawsuit from the Mohegan Sun because 900,000 in checks have bounced he isn’t making good on the debt.

Pages: 1234567891011

Follow Us