Foxwoods Resort Casino’s CEO Felix Rappaport expressed his intention to discuss with Connecticut authorities the revision of the current laws that prohibit the consumption of any alcoholic beverages within the premises of gambling venues shortly after midnight. According to him, these regulations seriously affect local gaming business.
Atlantic City casinos, for instance, offer alcohol to their visitors around the clock. As for New York venues, they distribute liquor until 4 in the morning. What is more, Massachusetts casino operators are expected to ask for amendments in local laws for alcohol to be served until 2 a.m.
Mr. Rappaport stated that the revision of Connecticut liquor laws was among the main topics he would like to discuss with Gov. Dannel Malloy, who has recently been re-elected.
Foxwoods’ CEO shared that he did not consider it a bad thing to play blackjack, for instance, until late in the evening and to be able to get a drink. What is more, he pointed out that current laws prevent local casinos from being adequate competition to those in the neighboring states.
Recently, the tribes that operate both Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun announced a decrease in their gambling revenues. Gov. Malloy ensured that he would help them in any possible way, for 25% of gaming venues’ slot turnover is contributed to the state of Connecticut, so as for its economy to be boosted.
At present, local casinos have to stop serving alcohol at 1 a.m. on workdays and at 2 a.m. during the weekends. The idea for the laws to be amended started floating some time in 2008. However, lawmakers did not particularly approve of it back then for drunken driving considerations.
Gov. Malloy has not expressed his thoughts on the issue yet.
State Representative Stephen Dargan, currently a co-chair of the Public Safety and Security Committee, stated that he was not certain whether the state would benefit from the amendment of the current laws.
Mr. Rappaport, who is no stranger to casino industry and who was appointed as managing director of Foxwoods only a week ago, shared that he would also like to discuss with Gov. Malloy the opportunity for the state to invest more money into tourism promotion. What is more, he would like to point out the need for some transportation improvements that would make it easier for visitors to get to the venue.
Chuck Bunnell, a spokesperson for the Mohegan Tribe, stated that they were really keen on the opportunity to collaborate with the governor and the local legislative body, so as to be able to enhance the state’s economy together.
As it was previously announced, MGM will build a new casino in Massachusetts, located close to the state border. If no due measures are taken, this will certainly affect Connecticut casino revenue in a negative manner.
Mr. Bunnell, however, did not comment on whether his tribe would insist on changes in liquor laws.
