Foxwoods review
I just added a Foxwoods review to the new non-Vegas section at the bottom of the Hotels page.
The review is tl;dr material - it might take half an hour to read the entire thing. Most of the pictures are poor quality too, so I apologize for that.
Please check it out if you have the time and desire to read it all, and let me know if you find any mistakes (typos or incorrect facts).
Quote:1 million square feet more than the Pentagon
1 million square feet more than the Pentagon
or
1 million square feet, more than the Pentagon
Quote: odiousgambit1 million square feet more than the Pentagon
or
1 million square feet, more than the Pentagon
LOL, I thought WOW thats a big joint, a million
bigger than the Pentagon!
Did you see any Roulette Evolution setups?
The Newport Room has 6 deck S17 blackjack. The MGM High Limit Room (pit 31) is 6 deck H17 and aces can be re-split once. Both have $50 minimums.
El Pollo Loco closed permanently on May 30th and has been boarded up since.
Quote: odiousgambit1 million square feet more than the Pentagon
or
1 million square feet, more than the Pentagon
Quote: EvenBobLOL, I thought WOW thats a big joint, a million
bigger than the Pentagon!
It is.
Pentagon: 3.7 million square feet
Foxwoods: 4.7 million square feet
I clarified the review because I agree the original wording could be misunderstood.
Quote: 1BBAlthough Mashantucket has its own zip code, that's just the name of the reservation. The town is Ledyard.
The Newport Room has 6 deck S17 blackjack. The MGM High Limit Room (pit 31) is 6 deck H17 and aces can be re-split once. Both have $50 minimums.
El Pollo Loco closed permanently on May 30th and has been boarded up since.
Great info - thank you. I'll update the review accordingly. I had Ledyard in there at first but changed it to Mashantucket; I'll change it back. I didn't even notice that El Pollo Loco was closed the last few times I walked by it.
Quote: JBHi all.
I just added a Foxwoods review to the new non-Vegas section at the bottom of the Hotels page.
The review is tl;dr material - it might take half an hour to read the entire thing. Most of the pictures are poor quality too, so I apologize for that.
Please check it out if you have the time and desire to read it all, and let me know if you find any mistakes (typos or incorrect facts).
Thanks for the write-up JB, It is very thorough, and I enjoyed it.
I am curious about the "invitation only" casino. Nevada has, until very recently, required public access to all gaming areas (this was ammended recently to "immediate access to surveillance and rooms for Gaming Control representatives"). Has Connecticut always allowed casinos to restrict access?
Also, you mention that the Fuddruckers serves elk and buffalo burgers. Are these options available at all Fuddruckers, or is this a Pequot tribe, Connecticut, or North East / New England thing?
Do most folks drive to get there? I understand that it is in the middle of the woods, and kind of just "appears" as you drive up the road. Is the self-parking free and convenient?
As of January when my poker leage had a game at the local Fudds in Wayne NJ, they serve Elk, Buffalo, Ostritch, Boar, Turkey, Veggie, as well as good ol' Cow. I like the Elk and Buffalo. Didn't care for Ostritch or Boar. Maybe I'm not alone and they don't serve those anymore...Quote: AyecarumbaAlso, you mention that the Fuddruckers serves elk and buffalo burgers. Are these options available at all Fuddruckers, or is this a Pequot tribe, Connecticut, or North East / New England thing?
Quote: AyecarumbaThanks for the write-up JB, It is very thorough, and I enjoyed it.
You're welcome.
Quote: AyecarumbaI am curious about the "invitation only" casino. Nevada has, until very recently, required public access to all gaming areas (this was amended recently to "immediate access to surveillance and rooms for Gaming Control representatives"). Has Connecticut always allowed casinos to restrict access?
I'm not sure.
Quote: AyecarumbaAlso, you mention that the Fuddruckers serves elk and buffalo burgers. Are these options available at all Fuddruckers, or is this a Pequot tribe, Connecticut, or North East / New England thing?
These options appear to be available on every Fuddruckers menu.
Quote: AyecarumbaDo most folks drive to get there? I understand that it is in the middle of the woods, and kind of just "appears" as you drive up the road. Is the self-parking free and convenient?
I would say that most locals do. There are lots of buses constantly going in and out of the place, mostly from Boston and NYC. Lots of bingo players arrive and leave by bus; they is a separate "Bingo Bus Lobby" for such buses.
Self-parking and valet parking are both free, although tipping the valet is of course customary.
"Middle of the woods" is an understatement.Quote: AyecarumbaDo most folks drive to get there? I understand that it is in the middle of the woods, and kind of just "appears" as you drive up the road. Is the self-parking free and convenient?
The first time I went, I took Route 95 North almost to the state line, then the one road that goes directly to Foxwoods. About 12 miles from the exit. Every 1/2 mile or so theres a small sign telling you how much further. As you get close, you start thinking, "Shouldn't we at least see it by now?"
At about 1/2 away, you make one last turn as you go over a small hill, and there, like Dorothy emerging from the forrest to find Emeral City, there it is. HUGE.
Now we take the route that goes withn 1/2 mile of Mohegan Sun. It's only slightly shorter, but seems a lot shorter because you're making more turns and going thru more "town" areas.
Quote: EvenBobDo all the different casinos on the property have roulette?
Did you see any Roulette Evolution setups?
To the best of my knowledge, all of the areas that have table games have at least a few roulette tables.
I do not recall seeing any Roulette Evolution machines.
Quote: AyecarumbaQuote: JBHi all.
I just added a Foxwoods review to the new non-Vegas section at the bottom of the Hotels page.
The review is tl;dr material - it might take half an hour to read the entire thing. Most of the pictures are poor quality too, so I apologize for that.
Please check it out if you have the time and desire to read it all, and let me know if you find any mistakes (typos or incorrect facts).
Thanks for the write-up JB, It is very thorough, and I enjoyed it.
I am curious about the "invitation only" casino. Nevada has, until very recently, required public access to all gaming areas (this was ammended recently to "immediate access to surveillance and rooms for Gaming Control representatives"). Has Connecticut always allowed casinos to restrict access?
Also, you mention that the Fuddruckers serves elk and buffalo burgers. Are these options available at all Fuddruckers, or is this a Pequot tribe, Connecticut, or North East / New England thing?
Do most folks drive to get there? I understand that it is in the middle of the woods, and kind of just "appears" as you drive up the road. Is the self-parking free and convenient?
The invitation only casino is the Stargazer on the 25th floor. Blackjack minimums are usually $200 and you must be evaluated by a host before gaining admittance.
Remember this is a sovereign nation so they have no problem thumbing their nose at the state of Connecticut.
You get off the elevator into a small lobby with a reception desk. As soon as I stepped out the receptionist greeted me, but also told me it was exclusive. However, since there were no players inside, she allowed me to take a look.
My memories are fuzzy, but it seemed very dark and small. I do not remember how many tables or what types. All I really remember is thinking it was stupid for the dealers to all be standing at attention. Why can't they relax a little until a customer shows up?
For the record, I feel that if I had stepped off the elevator with a bag full of cash, they wouldn't have had any problem with letting me play.
Quote: 1BBRemember this is a sovereign nation so they have no problem thumbing their nose at the state of Connecticut.
Actually, that's not true for some reason. Dunno why, but they definitely do answer to them (I know people who've started rows with them); Connecticut just has different rules.
They do follow the laws of the state gaming compact,but the state is in bed with the casinos.Since the state recieves 25% of the slot revenue the state wants the casios to make as much money as possible.Quote: 24BingoActually, that's not true for some reason. Dunno why, but they definitely do answer to them (I know people who've started rows with them); Connecticut just has different rules.
They abuse this relationship all the time.One example is if you are caught counting cards, surveillance has the on site state troopers run your license plate to find out your name.This is not suppose to happen but it is done all the time.
Quote: HunterhillThey do follow the laws of the state gaming compact,but the state is in bed with the casinos.Since the state recieves 25% of the slot revenue the state wants the casios to make as much money as possible.
They abuse this relationship all the time.One example is if you are caught counting cards, surveillance has the on site state troopers run your license plate to find out your name.This is not suppose to happen but it is done all the time.
I know of two people who have been beaten and I know for certain that they ran my plate.
Quote: 1BBI know of two people who have been beaten and I know for certain that they ran my plate.
Physically beaten?
Quote: CrapsForeverPhysically beaten?
Yes and one was hospitalized.
Quote: 1BBYes and one was hospitalized.
Beaten by who, the casino staff?
Quote: 1BBYes and one was hospitalized.
Sounds like I might be cancelling my visit to Foxwoods/Mohegan Sun when I visit Connecticut later this month.
The RainMaker casino DOES have table games. Plenty of them. In fact, when the poker room was moved downstairs, the RainMaker was expanded with more tables. But it is only half non-smoking.
Bingo: As you detailed, they do a LOT of things that are not typical of a local church bingo. It's why I play there. I love your description of the "wave" when someone sees their winning number will be called next.
Bingo, money booth. I was inside once. The slot is about 4" wide and maybe 1/4" high. Arm against the wall catches a LOT of bills. Grabbing them out of the air is a waste of time. Once you get them, folding them before putting them in the slot is the only way to go. As soon as there is even the slightest portion of a bill protruding, the bingo worker on the other side will pull it thru. Near the end of my time, there weren't too many bills flying around. Something caught my eye and I looked up to see a ton of bills on the roof, where there was an air exit vent. I grabbed them down and pushed them thru right before the time ran out. They told me my total was one of the highest for the amount they started with.
Bingo: If you forget daubers, etc., they are sold out of a cart inside the bingo room, cash only. They are also sold at a small convenience type store next to the main entrance, where you can pay using comp points.
Buffet: I've been on that long maze line on some busy days. Yeah, it's a long wait, but no as long as you wrote. I do not think I ever waited more than an hour. There is a LOT of seating inside....
Comparisons to Mohegan Sun: Feel free to take excerpts / paraphrase my comments in my Mohegan Sun vs Foxwoods thread.
Don't you mean that $1,200 is the highest threshold?Quote: Comparison sectionFoxwoods is more sensible and sticks to the W-2G threshold of $1200, which is the lowest hand-pay threshold any U.S. casino can offer.
Quote: DJTeddyBearThe RainMaker casino DOES have table games. Plenty of them. In fact, when the poker room was moved downstairs, the RainMaker was expanded with more tables. But it is only half non-smoking.
What part of the review implies that the Rainmaker casino has no table games?
Edit: Never mind, I see. It was vague/misleading how I listed it and the non-smoking slots since they're connected.
Quote: DJTeddyBearDon't you mean that $1,200 is the highest threshold?
Yes, good catch.
The first one has been clarified and the second one has been fixed.
When I was there it was not easy to find the place. If signage hasn't improved, perhaps the readers would like some suggestions on how to get there from the I95.
What would you think of comparing and contrasting Foxwoods to the Mohegan Sun?
Quote: JBThe future of Foxwoods might not be as great as the last decade was. The tribe has more than $2 billion of debt.
Come again? I thought anybody with 1/64th tribal blood was a gazillionaire. Something smells rotten in Denmark.
Quote: WizardQuote: JBThe future of Foxwoods might not be as great as the last decade was. The tribe has more than $2 billion of debt.
Come again? I thought anybody with 1/64th tribal blood was a gazillionaire. Something smells rotten in Denmark.
From about 5 months ago:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/18/magazine/mike-sokolove-foxwood-casinos.html?pagewanted=all
That is the article where I obtained the comparison of Foxwoods' square footage to the Pentagon's, although I think the figure in that article of 6.7 million square feet is incorrect; all other sources say 4.7 million square feet (which is still 1 million square feet larger than the Pentagon).
Quote: JB(which is still 1 million square feet larger than the Pentagon).
And the Pentagon is so big they've always used
electric carts and the runners use roller skates.
If they didn't it would take forever to get around.
It has 17.5 miles of hallways.
Is the Wizard soliciting reviews of non-Vegas casinos now? I have a review of the Revel I'd like to write up at some point.
Quote: CrapsForeverSounds like I might be cancelling my visit to Foxwoods/Mohegan Sun when I visit Connecticut later this month.
No need to do that just remember where you are. These guys were roughed up by Tribal police and security in front of an undercover trooper. They weren't Boy Scouts but they didn't deserve what they got either.
Quote: teddysIs the Wizard soliciting reviews of non-Vegas casinos now? I have a review of the Revel I'd like to write up at some point.
My position is that I'll accept them, but not pay for them.
Quote: WizardI've been to Foxwoods twice, both times about ten years ago. When I was there it was still rather small. They had slots but they weren't allowed to take wagers, so they set them all on "play for fun" mode. At what tables they did have it was so difficult to find a seat the I saw back betting up to three players deep.
When I was there it was not easy to find the place. If signage hasn't improved, perhaps the readers would like some suggestions on how to get there from the I95.
What would you think of comparing and contrasting Foxwoods to the Mohegan Sun?
Come again? I thought anybody with 1/64th tribal blood was a gazillionaire. Something smells rotten in Denmark.
Due to their staggering debt the tribe stopped payouts to members in March. Feel guilty now, card counters?
The accord lowers the debt balance and extends maturities at favorable rates, Foxwoods Chief Executive Officer Scott Butera said yesterday in a statement, without disclosing specifics. The tribe will work with lenders and bondholders to build support for the agreement over the next several months.
BUT THIS IS THE BEST PART FOR WHITE MEN WHO SPEAK WITH FORKED TONGUES >>>>
Since it is located on tribal land, lenders cannot foreclose and the property cannot be restructured in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding, Butera told the New York Times this year. He described the situation as sort of like being stuck in no mans land.
I can't imagine they ever did the fun mode thing, but if they did, it was way more than 10 years ago. According to Wikipedia, they got tables in 1992 and slots in 1993.Quote: WizardI've been to Foxwoods twice, both times about ten years ago. When I was there it was still rather small. They had slots but they weren't allowed to take wagers, so they set them all on "play for fun" mode.
As I described earlier in this thread, if you go north on I-95 almost to the state line, you'd be taking this route:Quote: WizardWhen I was there it was not easy to find the place. If signage hasn't improved, perhaps the readers would like some suggestions on how to get there from the I95.
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Every 1/2 mile to 1 mile along Route 2 there are small signs telling you how much further to go. Although it's a direct route, you are still left wondering where the heck it is. About 1/2 mile before you get there, it's like Dorothy emerging from the forest to find Emerald City, there it is.
The alternative is to drive almost to Mohegan Sun. On this map, MS is 1/4 mile from the "B". This route is about 9 miles shorter, but only 6 minutes quicker. However, it SEEMS a LOT quicker. There are the same small signs along this route at each turn (there are several). The two casinos are about 9 miles apart.
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Although maybe not as extensive as you might like, I've done it, here:Quote: WizardWhat would you think of comparing and contrasting Foxwoods to the Mohegan Sun?
https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/off-topic/other-casinos/1918-mohegan-sun-vs-foxwoods-comparisons/
Anyone hitting three suited 7s at the blackjack table back then was paid $5000 in cash or chips with no paperwork or ID.
DJ's alternate route is the way to go. The other route is Foxwoods' attempt to keep everyone away from Mohegan Sun. Many who have used Foxwoods' directions have ended up in Rhode Island.
Quote:The player's club currently awards 1 point for every $100 wagered on slots, and 1 point for every $340 wagered on video poker.
It's actually $150/point for slots.
Quote:Foxwoods has a World Poker Tour poker room... There are also WPT tournaments, some of which are televised.
The partnership between Foxwoods and the WPT has ended. All WPT logos and signage have been removed.
Quote:Most baccarat tables are "mini" style and offer the Dragon Bonus side bet. The Foxwoods web site indicates that baccarat where the players handle the cards is also available, but I'm not sure where. Likely possibilities are the Newport room inside the Grand Pequot casino, and the invitation-only Stargazer casino.
Correct, those are the 2 rooms where they are found.
Quote:Blackjack in the high-limit Newport room has the following rules (and a $50 minimum bet), for a house edge of approximately 0.5%:
Dealer hits soft 17
Dealer stays on soft 17 in the Newport room.
Quote:While I am not certain, I think there may be pai gow tables in the high-limit Newport room (located inside the Grand Pequot casino). If there are, these tables might have higher minimums and maximums than the tables in the Rainmaker casino.
There are 3 tables in Newport room; usually same minimums as Rainmaker.
Quote:I think they misunderstand the purpose of the "Pai Gow Insurance" side bet. The word "insurance" in the bet's name implies that it protects the player's bet if he is dealt garbage. However, Foxwoods pays this side bet only when the dealer is dealt garbage, which makes no sense. If the dealer has a garbage hand, the player's original bet is likely to win anyway and therefore needs no "insurance."
Just a comment that it really annoys me that they do it this way.
Quote:I have seen Friday and Saturday night room rates approach $700 per night when few rooms are available. That is for people who have no play history; pretty much anyone with a player's card and some play history can receive free nights on Sundays through Thursdays and reduced rates on Fridays and Saturdays. If you are Crown level or higher, you will most likely be eligible for a free room for any night of the week. If you are planning your first visit to Foxwoods, you should book a room as early as possible to secure the lowest rate you can get.
In general, Crowns can get 2 free rooms Sun-Thur, Kings 2 free Sun-Thur or Fri, Aces 2 free Sun-Sat, and Royals any time. Free rooms are actually based on your level of play over a certain amount of recent time, not your card tier. However, the level of play required to receive a certain free room offer is commensurate with the level of play required to earn the associated tier I listed with it. Saturday reduced rates are usually still over $300 unless you're an Ace or Royal.
Quote:I have no idea where Al Dente is located.
Right next to David Burke Prime.
... On the second floor of the Grand Pequot tower. The entrance / hotel lobby is on the first floor. The casino, retail and most other ammenities are on the third floor.Quote: jc2286Right next to David Burke Prime.Quote:I have no idea where Al Dente is located.
Therefore, for most people, the second floor nothing more than an overlooked pit stop to switch escalators.
Quote: jc2286A few corrections: ...
Updated, thank you for those.
Quote: jc2286In general, Crowns can get 2 free rooms Sun-Thur, Kings 2 free Sun-Thur or Fri, Aces 2 free Sun-Sat, and Royals any time. Free rooms are actually based on your level of play over a certain amount of recent time, not your card tier. However, the level of play required to receive a certain free room offer is commensurate with the level of play required to earn the associated tier I listed with it. Saturday reduced rates are usually still over $300 unless you're an Ace or Royal.
I did not update anything regarding this. I am a lowly Crown and get two free nights any night of the week, so I stand by the current wording about room rates and offers.
Quote: jc2286And nice write-up BTW; must've taken quite some time to create.
Thank you; it did.
Quote: JBI did not update anything regarding this. I am a lowly Crown and get two free nights any night of the week, so I stand by the current wording about room rates and offers.
Wow you can get free Friday and Saturday as a Crown?? You must hardly go and therefore have a high ADT. Fair enough.
Quote: jc2286Wow you can get free Friday and Saturday as a Crown?? You must hardly go and therefore have a high ADT. Fair enough.
That sounds probable. I am 4 hours away and do not go very often. I am going back in the near future and booked a free offer for a Friday and Saturday night.
The CSMs have been removed but there are several ASMs in use at blackjack tables which is fine for counters but will take money faster from the non counter.
Quote: 1BBSome corrections on the Newport Room blackjack. Re-splitting aces is not allowed and 10s can be split only once for a total of 2 hands.This is the policy throughout the entire property with the exception of pit 31 in the MGM Grand. Because this high limit pit is now H17 aces may be split once for a total of two hands.
The CSMs have been removed but there are several ASMs in use at blackjack tables which is fine for counters but will take money faster from the non counter.
Now I'm getting confused. Are you saying that aces cannot be split at all, except in the MGM high-limit pit?
Newport room: 6 decks, stand on soft 17, split 3 times to 4 hands, split aces or 10s once
MGM high-limit: 6 decks, hit soft 17, split 3 times to 4 hands, split 10s or aces once
Everywhere else: 8 decks, hit soft 17, split 3 times to 4 hands, split aces or 10s once
MGM high limit room: 6 decks, H17, Aces re-split once (3 hands total).
Newport room: 6 decks, S17, Aces no re-split (2 hands total).
Everywhere else*: 8 decks, H17, Aces no re-split (2 hands total).
* Don't know the rules up in Stargazer.
edit: JB your post above this one is correct.
Thats leaves what, 4 mil sq ft of hotel rooms and meeting
rooms? Kinda disappointing.
Quote: EvenBob4.5 million sq ft, but only 360,000 is actual gaming area
They'll have to increase that number if they want to reclaim the title of largest casino in the world, which of course is measured solely by gaming floor area.
Also, something occurred to me about a question you asked yesterday about Evolution Roulette. The agreement between the state and the tribe says that they must pay 25% of slot revenue to the state, except the agreement doesn't call them "slot machines" they call them "video facsimiles". If the casino were to add digital blackjack/craps/roulette machines, these would be considered "video facsimilies" under that agreement, and therefore the casino would lose a quarter of their profits on such games. So, they will probably never install digital versions of table games since they profit more from the live versions.
