Connecticut casinos take in almost $1 billion in slot revenues in 1997

Friday, Jan. 16, 1998 | 11:09 a.m.

Foxwoods took in $43.5 million in December, about 19 percent more than the $36.6 million it took in during December, 1996.

The Mohegan Sun, with December slot revenues of $27.3 million, increased its slot take by 44 percent from the $18.9 million it took in during the same month a year ago.

In the last quarter of 1997, the Connecticut market's slot revenue increased by 20 percent, Mitchell Etess, senior vice president of marketing at Mohegan Sun, said Thursday.

"I'm confident that growth will continue," he said.

There was a slight slip in revenues from November to December.

The Mohegan Sun reported November slot revenues of $29.8 million. Foxwoods brought in $50.3 million.

"December is a month when many people are caught up in the busy holiday season," said Floyd "Bud" Celey, Foxwoods president and CEO. "Despite that, we showed a strong increase in slots since the previous December."

August brought in the most winnings for Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun last year. Their combined slot revenues totaled more than $96 million, which is an average of $3 million per day.

George Wandrak of the state Division of Special Revenue said August tends to be the most profitable month for slot revenues.

"If there is a chance the casinos will have a $100 million month, the best chance is that it would be in August 1998," he said. "It would have to be a very good month."

Since the state reaped nearly a quarter-billion dollars from slot revenues in 1997, some leaders want to see more of the money benefit their towns.

In its list of legislative priorities for 1998, the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities said the state should share more casino revenue with cities and towns to reduce the reliance on property taxes.