Foxwoods and arch rival the Mohegan Sun, which operate neighboring mega casinos in Connecticut, have both opened online gaming sites whereby customers play games and buy credits, although they can’t bet or collect actual money.
The idea for the two largest tribal casinos in the U.S. is to get patrons used to playing online, just in case online gaming is legalized in the state. However, officials of both casinos say there has been another benefit: they are able to build a database of customers that they can give marketing offers to and build their brands. Reward points can be used at retail shops, hotels and for dining at Foxwoods.
Rodney Butler, chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, owners of Foxwoods, told the AP, “What we’re finding is that it’s actually a useful tool for building a database, getting our brand out there and connecting people to the property.”
He adds that 50,000 patrons have created accounts on the site, which was created by GameAccount Network.
The Mohegan Sun partnered with Bally Technologies to develop a poker site many months ago. As with Foxwoods, patrons can win hotel stays and gifts.
Although online gaming is legal in three states, with other states pursuing it, Connecticut’s Governor Dannel P. Malloy has shown no interest in bringing it to the Nutmeg State.
