In what is shaping up to be a very good year for Foxwoods casino, gambling revenue at Mashantucket resort soared in April rising 9.3 percent over last year, while rival Mohegan Sun saw its revenues drop 3.3 percent.
Mohegan’s dominant eight-year streak of higher slot revenues than Foxwoods continued in April, but the gap between Mohegan’s and Foxwoods’ revenues is the narrowest since October.
“April’s results indicate that our renewed effort to enhance the Foxwoods experience is resonating with our guests,” said Scott Butera, Foxwoods president and CEO, in a press release.
Foxwoods’ revenue from its 6,600 slot machines hit $57.1 million in April, up from $52.3 million in April 2010. Its contribution to the Connecticut General Fund was $15.5 million.
Mohegan Sun’s revenue from its 6,400 slot machines hit $61.6 million in April, down from $63.7 million in April 2010. Its contribution to the Connecticut General Fund was $15.8 million.
The slot reports released on Monday highlight a stronger year for Foxwoods. Since the fiscal year started in July, Foxwoods had six months where its revenues increased over the previous year, the most year-over-year increases since 2001.
Mohegan, while still bringing in more revenue than Foxwoods, continues to trend downward. The Uncasville resort has reported two months of year-over-year increases in revenues since July.
Mohegan is responding to the difficulties in the gaming market by launching a new advertising campaign this weekend. The Time to Shine campaign features the resort casino as a younger, more vibrant place to visit.
Foxwoods launched an advertising campaign of its own last year, called All, meant to highlight the many gaming and non-gaming provisions offered by the resort casino.
“We will continue to build momentum this summer by adding timely and cutting edge entertainment and resort experiences, while maintaining our 5-star service standards, maximizing operational efficiencies and leveraging the tremendous value of our tenants and vendors,” Butera said.
