New England poker players will have a new venue to play cards as Foxwoods Resort Casino opens its new poker room next week.
During the Moneymaker/online poker boom, the tribal casino in southeastern Connecticut was one of the meccas of U.S. poker. The property was a mainstay on the World Poker Tour, hosting the World Poker Finals through 2011. It was also home to World Series of Poker Circuit events as well.
In March 2006, the poker room relocated and expanded to 114 tables. As a result, it became the third-largest poker room in the world. Only the Bicycle Casino and Commerce Casino in Los Angeles were larger.
Then, in the wake of the pandemic, and the growth of other poker markets in New England, management reduced the poker room to 54 tables. Additionally, the once 24/7 action was limited to the hours of 9 a.m.-1 a.m. Sunday-Thursday and 9 a.m.-4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
But casino officials are dubbing the new room as a “new era for poker.” Officials set the grand opening for Sept. 9 at 10:30 a.m. Cards will be in the air by 11 a.m.
“From day one, Foxwoods has been about energy, evolution, and putting our guests first,” said Foxwoods president and CEO Jason Guyot. “The new poker room is a statement of pace, comfort, and competition – delivering an unrivaled experience for every player.”
New Venue’s Details
The new poker room is situated within the Fox Tower and features 33 tables and 37 high-definition televisions. The room will have slightly fewer tables than the current one, but the room will have features currently unavailable.
Upon opening the new room, every seat will have a USB port and dealers can use Deckmate2 shufflers. Furthermore, staff is implementing automated sign-up kiosks and sportsbook kiosks will be nearby.
The property offers players a brighter atmosphere with plenty of room between tables in an enclosed area separate from the casino floor. Poker room officials also noted that the new venue offers easy access to more convenient parking.
The new addition represents Foxwoods’ broader resort evolution, casino officials noted.
“The expectation of today’s players are high, and Foxwoods delivers with next-level technology, elevated amenities, and every convenience imaginable,” said senior vice president of gaming operations Bryan Hayes. “This marks an exciting new chapter for poker on the East Coast.”
Players will find new, extended hours. Staff will run the room from 8 a.m.-2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and the room will be open 8 a.m.-4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
There was no word if the property plans on bringing back major tournament series. As part of the grand opening, the casino is offering a $25,000 hot seat giveaway running from noon through 10 p.m. Players can win $1,000 every 30 minutes throughout the day. The final drawing is at 10 p.m. and worth $5,000.
Latest In Flurry Of New Poker Rooms
Foxwoods is far from the only casino with a new poker room. In Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood debuted a new poker room last May, Caesars Palace followed suit a few days later and Venetian opened a new room last August.
In Michigan, Firekeepers Casino opened a new poker room in May, while Hard Rock Casino in Bristol, Virginia unveiled its permanent poker room in February.
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