Thanksgiving Promotions In New England's Casinos - Maine & Rhode Island

Not interested in football?  Want to do something different for Thanksgiving?  Start a new tradition?  Take your parents out for Thanksgiving dinner instead of all that cooking?
Here are some alternatives! - Part 1

MAINE
HOLLYWOOD CASINO, HOTEL and RACEWAY

OXFORD CASINO


RHODE ISLAND
TWIN RIVER

 

Join us for our Thanksgiving Celebration, Thursday November 28th

Starting at 12pm  $15.95

(plus tax & gratuity)

Chef’s Station, Fresh Baked Rolls, Garden Salad, Roasted Winter Squash Soup

Carved Turkey Breast with Gravy, Carved Glazed Ham, Chef’s Vegetable Medley

Red Bliss Mashed Potatoes, Maple Whipped Sweet Potato, Stuffing and Cranberry Sauce

Looking for the Perfect Finish - Try a Pie a la Mode for just $3.99, Your choice of pumpkin or apple pie with vanilla ice cream - add a spiked Cider for just $4 (21+ only)

NEWPORT GRAND

  Turkey Dinner with all the fixins' $8.95 
  Sundays - 11:30 am - 9 pm

  What a better way to start off the week than getting our very 

  popular Turkey Dinner with all the fixins' for just $8.95. 

  Discount  for Rewards Card Members only, one discount per Rewards Card.

That's all for now.  Tomorrow I'll look at CT's Turkey Day Promos.

Binbin

THIS WEEK'S NEW ENGLAND CASINO HEADLINES Part 2

Here's the rest of last week's headlines, today Maine and Massachusetts.

MAINE
The Maine Gambling Control Board’s latest casino results have confirmed tax revenues collected from the state’s two casinos are significantly higher compared to last year’s tally. Accounting for most of the increase in tax revenue is the Oxford Casino which has thus far generated $20,005,031 for Maine, compared to the Hollywood Casino in Bangor, at $15,402,379.

MASSACHUSETTS
Massachusetts legislators were thrown a curve ball just after giving final approval to a tribal gaming compact with the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe. The Aquinnah tribe from Martha's Vineyard announced Tuesday it had federal approval to build a casino on the island. The Wampanoag Tribe of Aquinnah, a federally-recognized tribe, issued a statement saying it planned to move ahead with converting an unfinished community center on tribal lands into a temporary Class II gambling facility. Such a facility could offer high-stakes electronic bingo or poker games and some types of slot machines, but not casino-style table games. The tribe cited a legal opinion, dated Oct. 25, from Eric Shepard, the acting general counsel of the National Indian Gaming Commission. In the letter, Shepard said the tribe's lands on Martha's Vineyard qualify for limited gambling under the federal law that governs tribal gaming and that the Aquinnah have sufficient legal jurisdiction over the lands.

A Massachusetts school that trains people for casino jobs has been fined $1,500 for alleged violations that include inflating potential earnings for its graduates in advertising material. The Division of Professional Licensure announced that the fine against North Attleborough-based New England Casino Dealer Academy also resolves allegations that the school failed to maintain adequate student records, and failed to request approval to change ownership. The school agreed to cease the advertising practices in question, to ensure that all student records were complete and available for inspection, and to notify the agency of all ownership changes.

That's all for now.

binbin

Give Thanks to our Veterans - New England Casino Dining Promotions

For so many reasons, we live in the greatest country in the world. And no matter what their politics are, no matter what their ethnicity is, men and women have served this country for all of us. You know them - they are young and no so young. But whatever their age, they have experienced the job of protecting America. They are our Veterans. They deserve our thanks, they deserve our respect, they deserve our appreciation.

There are a few special promotions available in New England's Casinos for Veteran's Day. Here they are:
Oxford Casino, Oxford, Maine
Veterans free buffet from 11:00 - 2:30. Check website for details.

Hollywood Casino, Bangor, Maine
Brunch For Free at the Epic Buffet from 9:00 to 2:30. Check website for details.

Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, Connecticut
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville will offer a Prime Rib special consisting of Prime Rib, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and a chef’s selection for dessert for $28.95 per person from 11:00am to 1:00am. Additionally, past and present military members receive a 10% discount, year-round. Must present valid military ID to redeem discount.

Big Bubba’s BBQ will honor active and retired troops with a 10% discount on Veterans Day from 11:30am to 10:00pm. Must present valid military ID to redeem discount.

Seasons Buffet will serve two buffet meals for the price of one. The special will be featured every Thursday for guests who present their military ID and Player’s Club Card for $16.98 per adult and $9.43 per child.

Margaritaville’s Smuggler’s Hold will pay tribute with 25% off any item that features red, white and blue from 10:00am to Midnight. Discount is available to all guests.

Foxwoods - MGM, Mashentucket, CT
Show your military ID and enjoy a 10% discount at participating Foxwoods restaurants.

That's all for now.

Thank to all our American Vets.


Binbin

Weekend Entertainment in New England's Casinos - October 18-20

Remember to Check Casino Websites before visiting the casino!

Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino (CT)
Arena
Saturday, October 19th - Selena Gomez - 7:00

Wolf Den
Friday, October 18th - Phil Vassar - 8:00pm
Saturday, October 19th - Robert Cray- 8:00pm

Cabaret Theater
Saturday, October 19th - Rich Ceisler featuring Chris DuBail with special guest John Romanoff - 9:00pm

Foxwoods Resort & Casino (CT)
MGM Grand Theater
Friday, October 18th - The Fray - 8:00pm
Saturday, October 19th - Carlos Mencia - 8:00
Sunday, October 20th - John Legend - 7:30

COMIX at FOXWOODS
October 17th - 19th  (Th-Sat), Sean Patton (3 shows) 8:00pm
Friday, October 18th - Jim Spinnato's Hypnotic Hysteria - 10:30pm
Saturday, October 19th - Nasty Show - 10:30pm

Newport Grand (RI)
Newport Grand Event Center -
Saturday, October 19th - Klassic KISS - Tribute Band - 9:00pm

Grand Cocktail Lounge
Friday, October 18th - Triad - 9:00pm
Saturday, October 19th - Touch of Spice, featuring LeAnn Dutra - 9:00pm

Twin River Casino (RI)
Twin River Event Center
Saturday, October 19th & Sunday October 20th - AAA Travel Show - starts at 10:00 am

Lighthouse Bar
Friday, October 18th - World Premier Band - 8:30pm
Saturday, October 19th - M-80 - 8:30pm
Sunday, October 20th - Reminisce - 2:00pm

Catch A Rising Star
Friday, October 18th - Patrick Garrity - 8:00;  Frank Santos, Jr - R Rated Comic Hypnotist; 10:15pm
Saturday, October 19th - Patrick Garrity - 8:30pm & 10:00pm

Hollywood Casino (ME)
The Sound Stage Lounge
Friday, October 18th - The Shambles - 9:00pm
Saturday, October 19th - The Rick Miller Band - 9:00pm

That's all for now.

Binbin

Oxford & Hollywood - Maine Casino News

OXFORD CASINO
Monday October 14th, Columbus Day Buffet, from 10am - 2pm
$9.92 with rewards card / $14.92 without (cute - 1492!)

Wicked Good Giveaways - Mustang Madness
Every Saturday in October starting at 1:00pm, 200 qualifiers with their Oxfords card registered in a slot or video poker machine or table game will be randomly selected to receive entries into our 2014 Mustang convertible giveaway to be held OCTOBER 26th at 8:30 pm

Check out their survey for Veteran's day on Facebook
SURVEY QUESTION: With Veterans Day a month away, what should we do to salute our heroes?
A. An All-American Buffet with a discount for Active Military
B. An All-American Buffet with a discount for Retired Military



HOLLYWOOD HOTEL, CASINO, & RACEWAY
Saturday, October 19th, 11am - 8pm
Lucky Pumpkin Pick - Win Free Slot Play or the Grand Prize of $150,000

High Hand of the Hour High - Hand of the Hour every Thursday in the Poker Room from 12PM-12AM! Win $50 at the top of each hour! The Poker Player with the highest qualifying hand will win $50

For other continuing promotions at both casinos, check their websites.  Use the links at the right.

That's all for now.

Binbin

I'm Back With the Headlines - I Hope You Like the New Look!

Sorry for the forced long hiatus.  Let's just say it was beyond my control.  But now I'm back with some changes to the design.

Today, as agent Joe Friday from Dragnet would say "Just the Facts."  So, while I was away.....

In Rhode Island

• Rhode Island gaming officials have approved the addition of 14 table games at the Twin River Casino in Lincoln.
• Bristol Community College is combining its successful culinary arts program with its not so successful casino management and tourism and hospitality services programs to prepare BCC students to enter those activities and to find employment in the upcoming casinos in Massachusetts. 

In New Hampshire

• NH is considering gambling again - I know, deja vu.
• N.H. casino panel gets advice from Pennsylvania with rules for future casinos suggesting that the best way to regulate them is with a stand-alone, independent authority.
• The casino study group in New Hampshire seems on tract to finish writing new regulations to expand gambling in that state by the Dec. 15 deadline.

In Connecticut

• Conn. lawmakers push expansion of gambling to raise money for the state with video slot-machines at New Haven Teletheater, known as Sports Haven, the Bradley Teletrack in Windsor Locks and the Shoreline Star in Bridgeport
• Foxwoods, NC outlet center set to break ground on $115 million site at Connecticut casino

In Maine

• Maine study group recommends gambling expansion
• Maine sees big revenue increase at casinos

And what about Massachusetts?  Just to much to cover here!

That's all for now.  Let me know what if you like the new look!


Binbin

New England Casino Weekend Entertainment List for 9/6 & 9/7

Remember to Check Casino Websites before visiting the casino!

Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino (CT)
Arena
Thursday, September 5th - Fall Out Boy featuring Panic at the Disco & Twenty One Pilots - 7:00pm
Friday, September 6th - WNBA: CT Sun vs. Washington Mystics - 7:00pm
Saturday, September 7th - Bellator MMA - 6:30pm
Sunday, September 8th - Blink 182 - 7:00pm

Wolf Den
Friday, September 6th - The Romantics - 8:00pm
Saturday, September 7th- Vince Neil & Warrant - 8:00pm

Cabaret Theater
Saturday, September 7th - 9:00pm - Carole Montgomery featuring Jane Congdon with special guest Sara Contreras

Foxwoods Resort & Casino (CT)
MGM Grand Theater
Saturday, September 7th - Alan Jackson - 7:30pm

COMIX at FOXWOODS
September 5th - 7th (Th-Sat), Pat Correale (3 shows) 8:00pm
Friday, September 6th - Filthy Friday - 10:30pm
Saturday, September 7th - Nasty Show - 10:30pm

Newport Grand (RI)
Newport Grand Event Center -
Friday, September 6th - Talking Heads Tribute Band - 9:00pm
Saturday, September 7th - Kashmir: Led Zeppelin Tribute Band - 9:00pm

Grand Cocktail Lounge
Friday, September 6th - Damaged Goods - 9:00pm

Twin River Casino (RI)
Twin River Event Center
Friday, September 6th - Dennis DeYoung: The Music of Styx - 8:00pm

Lighthouse Bar
Friday, September 6th - Felix Brown Band - 8:30pm
Saturday, September 7th - Split Infinity - 8:30pm

Catch A Rising Star
Friday, September 6th - Mike Witman - 8:00;
Saturday, September 7th - RC Smith - 8:30pm & 10:00pm

Hollywood Casino (ME)
The Sound Stage Lounge
Friday, September 6th - Kayla Wass Trio - 9:00pm
Saturday, September 7th - Kayla Wass Band - 9:00pm

That's all for now.

Binbin

New England Casino September Promotions - First Maine

So, Labor Day has passed - where did the summer go?

September is time that casinos usually rev up new promotions to make up for the additional summer traffic that that dwindles as the summer vacation period ends. In seasonal areas, such as Atlantic City and New England, the yearning of warm sand and fun in the sun turns to the dread of hurricanes and snow (do I sound like a Debbie Downer or what?) So, Casinos try to come up with their own fun - in the casino!
All week I will be looking at some September Promos that may inspire you to make some visits.

Today we start up north in Maine. Here's what the rest of the week looks like:

Wednesday - NE Entertainment List for September 9 & 10
Thursday - Rhode Island Casino Promotions
Friday - Connecticut Casino Promotions





Hollywood Casino (ME)



Spin to Win
SPIN TO WIN 2PM-6PM, Saturday, September 7 & 21! 5 Winners EVERY half hour! Play with your Club Card for your chance to spin the Hollywood Wheel for Free Slot Play, Bonus Entries into the 2013 Jeep Wrangler Giveaway, and other great prizes!
*Visit Player Services for complete details.

High Hand of the Hour
High Hand of the Hour every Thursday in the Poker Room from 12PM-12AM! Win $50 at the top of each hour! The Poker Player with the highest qualifying hand will win $50!

Jackpot Rewards (A continuing promo)
Jackpot Rewards August 1 - October 26! $15,000 Free Slot Play Giveaway! Grand Prize Drawing Saturday, October 26.
For every taxable *Jackpot you hit between August 1 - October 26, you will receive one ballot towards the Grand Prize Drawing at 7PM!


Oxford Casino (ME)



6X Points Tuesday - Every Tuesday, from 6pm to midnight, earn 6x points on slots and video poker

Thursday Nights are Ladies Nights

• From 5pm - 9pm , receive a decadent brownie at Guest Services and your drawing ticket
• Drawings for $1250 in prizes every week
• 10 lucky winners receive $25 in free slot play at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, & 9pm
• 40 winners enter into a seperate drawing for a $250 Spa Package

That's all for now. Tomorrow it's all about this weekend's Casino entertainment in New England.

Binbin

Maine Casino News - Passamaquady Tribe, Responsible Gaming, and Horse-racing

Passamaquoddy's Hopeful This Time Around
Maine's Passamaquoddy tribe is making another attempt to bring a combined racetrack and casino to eastern Maine as the state continues to study how best to expand gambling. At the same time, horse-racing revenues are declining (see article below). The tribe has been trying to bring gambling to their land for more than 20 years, but has failed to get enough statewide support for its approval. But under a bill the tribe plans to push in January, only Washington County voters would have to approve the plans for the racetrack casino, which the Passamaquoddies say would provide a much-needed economic boost. The tribe's effort comes as the state has put a hold on all other attempts to expand gambling in Maine so it can come up with guidelines designed to control an explosion of resident-initiated casino proposals.

Responsible Gaming Education Week in Aug Continues Studies
A moustachioed, beret-wearing lobster named “Clawd” is toured Bangor in August alongside his bilingual handler dressed like a chef to promote responsible gambling. Meanwhile, the state doesn’t know how big a problem irresponsible gambling is, according to the person responsible for overseeing the state’s addiction prevention efforts. Hollywood Casino’s weeklong lobster promotion was part of Responsible Gaming Education Week, an annual event created by the American Gaming Association to increase awareness in the industry and among patrons about gambling addiction.

Subsidies for Maine Horsemen Shrink
This summer, slot machines have helped Maine's harness-racing industry by funneling millions of dollars to horsemen, breeders and tracks. But declining slot machine revenue at Bangor's Hollywood Casino and other factors, including fewer spectators, have led to a double-digit drop in purses this year. Industry officials say the opening of Oxford Casino siphoned away customers and revenue from Hollywood Casino. But there are other factors at play. Different contribution formulas for the two casinos, fewer spectators placing bets at tracks, unregulated online gambling and a weak economy are taking a toll.


 Tomorrow, notable September promotions in New England's Casinos.

That's all for now.

Binbin

New England Casino Dining Reviews - a Yearly Look

After SolToro's stunning visit and review, I was wondering about previous dining reviews.  I have found out two things:
1)  I need to visit Twin River and
2) I eat at Mohegan Sun much too often.

So, after 260 posts, with various references to dining specials, candy wars, and the occasional rant on service, here are the rankings so far, according to the BVR (Binbin Value Rating).  Remember the BVR is based on the ranking of winning hands in the video poker game of JOB (Jacks or Better).  The best to the worst is Royal Flush, Straight Flush, 4-of-a-Kind, Full House, Flush, Straight, 3-of-a-kind, 2-pair, JOB pair, and nothing, nada, zero, empty set, "no soup for you!"

SolToro, Mohegan Sun - The BVR = A ROYAL FLUSH! Jackpot!

Hash House A GoGo, Mohegan Sun - The BVR = A ROYAL FLUSH! Farm fresh food with portions that can feed an army.

Shrine Sushi Special, MGM at Foxwoods - The BVR = Straight Flush

Buffet at Newport Grand - The BVR = Full House

Virgils, Mohegan Sun - The BVR = Full House!

California Pizza Kitchen, Foxwoods -  The BVR = A Flush
It's always an uplifting happening to your game!

Oxford Grill, Oxford Casino - The BVR = Flush

Margaritaville, Mohegan Sun, - The BVR =A Flush
Remember, a flush isn't just 5 cards in a row (a straight), there all the same suit. The "Fun" at Margaritaville makes the difference between a straight and a flush.

Buffet at Hollywood Casino, Hotel & Raceway - The BVR = Straight

Geno's Fast Break Food Court, Mohegan Sun - The BVR = Only Two Pair

Lansdowne, Mohegan Sun - The BVR = Two pair, 8's & Aces. Deadman's Hand. Definitely not a winner!

Please note - A casual restaurant not mentioned that is our "go to" meal before a CT SUN basketball game is BBP at Mohegan Sun, Bobby's (as in Flay) Burger Palace.  I haven't officially reviewed it, but I'd give it a BVR = straight flush for gourmet burgers, terrific fries and consistancy in meals and service.


That's all for now.

Binbin

Trip Report Part 2 - Oxford Casino, Oxford Maine

A summer trip to Maine is a great vacation idea, whether it includes the inner most camping, hiking, and lakes, or the long coastline. I hope you read Part 1 yesterday when I reviewed the Hollywood Casino, Hotel, and Raceway. If not, go back and read it......we'll wait......

(cue "Jeopardy Theme" music.........)

Now it's time to visit Maine's newest casino - OXFORD CASINO



We stopped at Oxford on our way home. It is about 2 hours southwest of Bangor near Lewiston. There is no parking garage, but tons of outside parking. The front entrance is obviously very new and quite attractive.

CASINO - It is smaller than Hollywood, but they have packed lots of slots in - almost to the point of no space. And while Hollywood is open 8am to 3am, Oxford is open 24/7. Oxford is a non-smoking casino, with areas outside designated for smoking. One terrific idea was the self-service beverage area with coffee, soda and water. If you are thirsty, you can just get up and get something. Free drinks in both Maine casinos are non-alcoholic - alcoholic beverages must be bought and cannot be comped by law.

Table games include Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Mini-Baccarat, Three Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold'em, Mississippi Stud Poker, Let-It-Ride and recently added Pai Gow Poker. Minimums were about $5 - $10 and up on BJ, everything else $5.

They have just over 800 slots, packed together. In using the minimal space there is, this casino floor feels like a sardine can - and it was a Monday afternoon with no big promotions, it was filled with people! The previous year's earnings and visitation proves its popularity, and has produced revenue beyond the expected numbers. To their credit, their slot inventory is very new, and very diverse. New slots such as "Family Guy," "NASCAR," and the latest Aristocrat, IGT and Williams machines highlight the slot inventory.

The video poker is not good. The only barely playable game is 8/5 DDB. Quarter players are stuck with 7/5 JOB and 6/5 Bonus with the same pay tables for $1 players. What is with Maine and their poor Video Poker? At least you can play VP at one of the bars, but you still have pay for your alcoholic beverages. NO comps for you!

THE REWARDS CLUB -  redemption for play is $1 in equals 1 point; 500 points equals $1 of rewards. A great innovation as part of their rewards club called "The Loyalty Club" is the Club Partners, which include discounts for over 20 local businesses. More casinos should take this idea and develop it to connect with local businesses.  (Mohegan Sun has spun it's own variation of this idea in its Mass Casino license application in Palmer.)

DINING - 2 options. the Oxford Grill, open weekdays at 11:00, but on the weekend at 7:30 for breakfast; and the Oxford Express, open 24/7 featuring sandwiches, soups and pastries. We ate at the Oxford grill, which is away from the sounds of slots, and is a beautiful place for lunch and dinner - simple, modern decor with a relaxing feel. We both tried salads. My wife's Summer salad came with Grilled Chicken, Strawberries, Grapes, Oranges, Red Onion, Candied Pecans, Feta Cheese which was not only beautiful to look at but delicious. My Asian Chicken Salad came with Grilled Chicken Breast, Fried Wontons, Sliced Almonds, Ginger Sesame Dressing which ended in a completely clean plate.( I guess I liked it) The serving size was good and the chicken in both was perfectly cooked with a little "char" taste. The Oxford Grill is a great place for a good meal, drinks, and a get away from the business in the casino.

CASINO SERVICE - Everyone was very friendly, but due to the amount of people and crammed rows of slots, the servers certainly have their work cut out for them. Again, Kudos for that beverage station idea!

It was a great trip, finally seeing what all the hub-bub was about in Maine's newest casino. With all that parking space, my suggestion to Churchill Downs, the new owners of Oxford Casino, is:

• Build a parking garage to the far side of the casino
• Expand the casino on the side of the casino
• Continue building upon the success of the first year.

In previous posts I have outlined the phases of expansion already presented. Please check those out.

That's all for now.

Binbin

A Maine Casino Trip Report Preview - What I Did on My Summer Vacation

This post will be short, after returning home late from Maine.  I finally made the long trek up to Hollywood Casino, Hotel, and Raceway, and Oxford Casino.  My wife and I had lots of fun, adding a search for great beer.  In my opinion, both casinos are great to visit, small, and doing well.  One think they both have in common was service and catering to their patrons.  Whether it was checking into Hollywood's Hotel, or having lunch at Oxford's Grill, you were greeted with smiles and consideration that sometimes is missing from larger casinos.

Tomorrow will be the usual Weekend Entertainment Listing.  But Thursday and Friday I will go into more detail, including gambling, dining, and more.  Thursday I will take you to Bangor and review Hollywood Casino.  Friday, it will be Oxford's turn.  Instead of Foxwoods Friday, Sunday will be a look at latest news in both Connecticut Casinos.

So, today, a little pause for the cause is in order.

That's all for now.

Binbin

Churchill Downs' Completes Acquisition - Expansion Plans Now Being Made

Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) announced today that it has completed the purchase of Oxford Casino, a deal valued at approximately 160 million. CDI's acquisition of the casino property follows the approval of the transaction by the Maine Gambling Control Board.

"We are extremely pleased to complete this transaction earlier than anticipated and appreciate the timely action of the Maine Gambling Control Board who made this possible," said Chairman and CEO Bob Evans.

As I had mentioned in earlier posts, plans are now being made for future expansion. First, construction on a $20 million waste water treatment facility and sewer system could begin as early as this fall, according to Town Manager Michael Chamming. It will connect to the Oxford Casino and a planned hotel and restaurant project, slated to be built across the road from the casino, as the first phase of the state's new membrane filtration system.

As part of their expansion interests CDI will be investing approximately $3.2 million to expand the gaming floor, making space for more table games.

Other expansion in the Oxford area includes a developer who has submitted an application to build a $125 million hotel, restaurant and retail project across from the Oxford Casino.

Casalinova Development Group applied earlier this summer for a credit-enhancement agreement to develop a 550-acre property along Route 26. According to the Sun Journal, the first phase would include the design and construction of a hotel, a restaurant, a day-care facility, a water park and an ice cream stand, as well as infrastructure improvements such as water, sewer, electric and telephone. The project is not affiliated with the casino, but what an addition this could be to the future plans that Churchill Downs has.

It's continuing to be an exciting time in Maine foe New England gamblers.

That's all for now.

Binbin

Oxford Casino Sale is Final - Time for Expansion?

The Maine Gambling Control Board approved the acquisition paving the way for Churchill Downs to complete its purchase of the Maine casino.

Churchill Downs Inc., operator of the Kentucky Derby, on Wednesday said it has completed its purchase of Oxford Casino for $160 million in cash. It originally opened in June 2012 by Black Bear Realty Co. LLC and at this time has 790 slot machines and 22 table games.

Churchill Downs doesn’t plan changes that would affect the casino’s management or employees, according to Courtney Yopp Norris, a company spokeswoman. In regard to future investments in the casino, Norris said it was "too early to say what the company has planned...“Now that we actually have the facility, we’ll start making decisions about how to move forward with capital investments for the property."

Churchill Downs Racetrack, home of the Kentucky Derby. It also owns casino and racetrack operations in Florida, Illinois, Louisiana and Mississippi. 

Ok, a show of hands...how many of you are sure as shooting' that they already have future plans and that those plans will start soon?

The success of the casino has proved to be well over expectations. Last week's Corvette giveaway, when fire marshall could allow anymore people inside due to occupancy laws, shows the room for expansion. People waited outside for others to leave so they could go in.  What a nice problem to have!

Bangor, home to the Maine's first full casino The Hollywood Casino, Hotel & Raceway, is 2 and 1/2 hours away. The closest possible Massachusetts Casino (at this point in the process) is slated to be in Tewksbury - 3 and 1/2 hours away. Not too close, but to attract more Massachusetts and New Hampshire patrons, while keeping their locals close, Churchill Downs, Inc. must be thinking expansion. Hotel, restaurant and added gaming space would make it a serious contender in that area.

Congratulations for Oxford's success and Churchill Downs for its acquisition. Time to build!

That's all for now.

Binbin

Maine Casinos - Oxford Corvettes & Traffic Congestion; Hollywoods A Reason To Celebrate 5 Years

Oxford's Success Rolls On
Traffic came to a halt on Route 26 in Oxford Thursday night.
Thousands of people turned out for a raffle giveaway that brought The Oxford Casino to its maximum
capacity. People had to wait outside until the raffle was done and it emptied out. By the way, congratulations Judy on winning the 'vette!

Penobscot High Stakes Bingo Records Largest Jackpot in 40 years
For one bingo player, Sunday, March 3, was the perfect day to be at Penobscot High Stakes Bingo: She took home the largest jackpot ever paid out since the Penobscot Nation established a gaming facility 40 years ago.
The player, who asked not to be identified, “was playing an Over the Rainbow Progressive Pull Tab,” said Miles Francis Jr., assistant general manager at Penobscot High Stakes Bingo. “It’s a dollar a ticket.”  For her dollar, the bingo player won $27,500, Francis indicated. “The biggest [jackpot] we’ve had previously was $25,000, which was 15 or so years ago.”

Hollywood Casino, Hotel & Raceway Celebrates Its Positive Impact over 5 Years
Five years ago, Hollywood Casino moved its slot machines from the site of a former restaurant to its brand new $132 million gaming and hotel complex on Main Street. As the casino celebrates the anniversary of its modern edifice this month with giveaways and promotions, city officials say the venue has been a catalyst for development in Bangor. Opponents of casino gaming in Maine, citing economic pitfalls for individuals and fears of increased crime, decry its presence.

Here's some of the impact it had on Bangor:

• In its first full year as Hollywood Slots at the 2006, in the building that’s now home to Seasons Grille and Lounge, the facility brought in about $37.5 million in revenue.
• In July 2008, the business moved into the $132 million facility complete with a seven-story hotel.
• Five years later, the casino, owned by Penn National Gaming, is coming off its best financial year yet after adding table games to its offerings, netting $62.6 million at the slots and tables in 2012.
• Bangor has received the following renue - monthly rent equal to 3 percent of net slot revenues (about $8.7 million for the city over the past five years), 1 % of the 39 % the state takes from net slot revenues at the casino(this brought Bangor about $2.56 million in the past five years), and about $200,000 from the casino’s revenue from table games since they debuted in March 2012.
• In 2012, revenue was divided up to support the harness racing industry, community colleges and universities, agricultural fairs and the state’s general fund. The state also received more than $1 million from table games operations in the nine months after table games debuted. Most went toward administrative expenses for the board, but some went to Bangor and some went to the Veteran’s Assistance Grant Fund.
• The casino employs about 400 area residents, and Eastern Maine Community College has started courses to train dealers for table games, a valuable resource for those seeking to jump into a new industry, Durgin said.
• The casino has partnered with the Bangor Mall, which is used heavily by Canadian shoppers who visit by the busload, to market the gambling opportunity a few miles away through signs and leaflets at the information booth, Osborne said.
• The casino also works with Canadian tourism groups. In years past, Canadian visitors accounted for 3 percent or 4 percent of casino revenue, according to Osborne; in 2012, however, they represented more than 10 percent.  

Hollywood Casino continues to face a competitive gambling industry in Maine, with newcomer Oxford Casino to the south having surpassed the Bangor casino’s revenue totals in its first months. A new concern ironically to Oxford could be a Slots-only Parlor in Tewksbury, MA by, Penn Gaming, the people who own Hollywood in Bangor.

Bravo to Hollywood & Penn Gaming for its positive contributions.

I still have to make a trip north to check these out.  That's all for now!

Binbin

Maine Casino Promos - Oxford & Hollywood

Here are July's Player Promotions in Maine's Casinos

Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway

Hotel rates starting at $99. Contact the Front Desk at 877-779-7771 option 3 for complete details. Based on availability. Restrictions may apply.

Don't know how to play table games such as Mississippi Stud, Lucky Ladies, Three Card Poker or Texas Holdem' Bonus? Check out the Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway website for brief descriptions of those games, as well as the usual Blackjack, Craps and Roulette.

Stars on the Waterfront - Win Darling's Waterfront Concert Tickets ALL MONTH LONG! Use your Club Hollywood Card on select drawing dates. 10 winners each day can take home FREE concert tickets, Free Slot Play or a mystery prize package!

$5 Comp Cash Anniversary Bash
$5 Comp Cash Lunch every Monday in July at the Epic Buffet between 11AM-3PM. Select gift shop items only $5 Comp Cash every Thursday in July at Hollywood Gifts!

Night Owl Giveaway - July 12 & 26 Night Owl Giveaway July 12 & 26 from 5PM-10PM! 50 winners of $100 Free Slot Play. Play with your Club Card for your chance to win a share of $5,000 Free Slot Play!

Early Bird Giveaway - July 13 & 27 Early Bird Giveaway July 13 & 27 from 9AM-2PM! 50 winners of $100 Free Slot Play.   Play with your Club Card for your chance to win a share of $5,000 Free Slot Play!

Win a 2013 Chevrolet Camaro or your share of $10,000 Free Slot Play! Play with your Club Card now through July 20 for your chance to win! Earn bonus entries on dedicated slots from 50X to 100X! Drawings start at 3PM. Grand Prize Drawing at 5PM.

THE NEW LIUC - SHARE OF $5,000 FREE SLOT PLAY Drawings 11am-3pm for our 50+ members every 1st & 3rd Sunday of each month. Stop by Player Services to pick up your exclusive LIUC pin & ballot for our $500 bonus drawing! Present your pin at the Epic Buffet on the last Wednesday for one FREE lunch buffet when you buy one at regular price.

Oxford Casino

Every Tuesday, 6PM - Midnight, 6X points on slots and video poker

Every Wednesday, from 8AM - 1PM, is SENIOR DAY, for guests 50+
Go to Guest Services and Get Free Cookie & Drawing Ticket
Drawings for Free Slot Play at 10am, 11am, Noon, and 1am - 10 lucky winners of $25 free slot play chosen every drawing;

Every Friday from 5PM to 10PM, the PRIME RIB BUFFET - $16.95

Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday through to September 1, 2013, receive a free scratch ticket that could be worth up to a $1 million!

Every Friday & Saturday, between 3PM and 9PM, use your Oxford Rewards card and while you play, you could be randomly selected to receive entries into the 2013 Corvette Giveaway held this weekend July 11th.


As always, check the websites or call player services for specific details or any changes in promotions before visiting.

That's all for now

Binbin

New England Casino News Mish-Mash

In Case You were too busy the last two weeks, here are the headlines you might have missed!

Rhode Island Casinos
Newport Asks for Relief
Due to declining revenues and a market that will only become more competitive, Newport Grand CEO and co-owner Diane Hurley asked state lawmakers to give her facility a “two-year window of relief.” The relief, would come in the form of an increased share of the net revenue from the facility’s slot machines., now 27.8 percent, would rise to 31 percent, within a two year window, providing an additional $1.5 million each year.

Table Games are in full swing at Twin River.  Enough Said.

Rhode Island is Serious About Cheaters
The General Assembly passed the anti-cheating bill late Tuesday afternoon and the governor signed it a short time later, just hours before table games were set to officially open at Twin River.
Under the bill, anyone caught cheating at casino games could be punished with up to 10 years in prison and as much as $100,000 in fines. The law applies to both casino patrons and employees.

Connecticut
Are New shopping Options the Answer?
Both Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun are raising the anti to keep and entice visitors back to their casinos with retail expansion. Combined, the projects will add 130 new stores within 10 miles. Good news - jobs and players.

Revenue Levels off - Hope in the Future?
For the first time in a long time, revenue declines leveled off in CT. Possibly two reasons for this upturn - a more intense marketing strategy, and the possible devastating influence that the hurricane and blizzard last year had on their take. With a recent slight decline in Pennsylvania's revenue (due to increased casino openings in Maryland, New York and Ohio) this could be the first sign of a rise in CT casino relevance. Include expansions, interest by both in the Catskills and Massachusetts, and more intense summer marketing, and the worst could be behind them.

Jai Alai Revival?
That crazy two walled sport that took the CT and Florida by storm throughout the '70s and '80s is back in the news. If you recall, it quickly fell into relative obscurity following a player strike, an influx of scandal, and newly opened casinos that attracted gamblers' money. It's called "the fastest sport in the world," and it was in CT - here today and gone tomorrow. Cromwell resident Matt DiDomizio breathed life into the game just over three years ago when he opened Connecticut Amateur Jai Alai in Berlin and now wants to bring it back at the CT casinos. "I sent 22 letters to Mohegan and 15 to Foxwoods labeled to every elder or tribal member I could find." Dear Mr. DiDomizio, good luck with that.

Maine
Maine Officials Continue to Block Penobscot Bingo Upgrade
they have blocked a bill which would allow the Penobscot Indian Nation to upgrade its old-fashioned bingo operation, asserting that the Nation’s proposed Class II bingo machines are really Class III slot machines—a claim that’s refuted by two of the most reputable companies in the country that manufacture, test and certify gaming machines. This is the fifth year in a row that the Penobscot Indian Nation has tried to pass a bill to enhance its existing gaming operation. Representitives from both Maine Casinos asked to hold back the bill - gee, what a shock.

The UFC...
is looking to bring it's violent sport to the Hollywood Casino, Hotel and Raceway after Bangor opens its new 8,000-seat Cross Insurance Center, which is scheduled to open on Sept. 10, 2013.

Oxford is a Hit!
According to the Maine Gambling Control Board, the Oxford Casino made over $65 million during the first year of operation, surpassing original projections and out-earning Maine’s first and only other casino, which opened in 2005.

Massachusetts
Wynn-Win Situation?
Voters in Everett gave their blessing to Steve Wynn in his bid to bring the first casino to Massachusetts with his $1.2 billion proposal. Now that approval in principal has been granted Wynn’s legal team can now go through the procedures of applying for a casino operators from the state’s recently established Gaming Commission

Sun Bid Improved
Mohegan Sun Issues New and Improved proposal for Palmer Mohegan Sun unveiled a more elaborate plan for its $1 billion proposal in Palmer, Massachusetts, which apparently now includes a slew of entertainment options, including an indoor and outdoor water park that will be connected to its own 250-room hotel to go with an enormous retail space, and an expansive cinema complex that is likewise linked to the complex’s casino on one side and another hotel on the other.

They you go. A "Royal" update. That's all for now.

Binbin

Maine News & Promos

Maine's Two Casinos Continue to Exceed Expectations

Oxford Casino
Maine's newest casino generated more than $65 million in net revenues in its first year of operation.
Maine Gambling Control Board records show that Oxford Casino had about $53 million in revenues - the amount lost by gamblers - from slot machines between June 2012 and May, and another $12 million from table games such as blackjack and roulette.  Oxford's revenue figures topped those of Maine's more-established casino, Hollywood Slots in Bangor, which had $58 million in revenues for the same 12-month period.
Clyde Barrow of the Northeast Gaming Research Project at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth says Oxford Casino should consider its first year a success. He says the fact that Kentucky-based Churchill Downs Inc. is buying the facility shows that others have taken notice of its showing.

The Oxford Casino Express - Bus Transportation to Oxford Sundays & Tuesdays
NEW LOW TICKET PRICE!!
Ticket Price: $20.00 person
Casino Bonus: $10.00 Casino Play
SCHEDULE:
7:30am - Seabrook, NH Sam’s Club Parking Lot, 11 Batchelder Rd
8:00am – Wells, Exit 19 Transportation Center
8:20am – Biddeford, Exit 32 Park & Ride Lot
8:45am – Portland, Marginal Way Park & Ride Lot
10:00am – 3:00pm – Oxford Casino

Hollywood Casino
Free Hollywood Pilsner Glass
Earn 500 points between 9AM and 9PM to receive a free Hollywood pilsner glass Saturday, June 22. Glasses will be available for pick up at The Sound Stage Lounge on Sunday, June 23 between Noon and 4PM.

Roll up to the red carpet in a 2013 camaro
Win a 2013 Chevrolet Camaro or your share of $10,000 Free Slot Play! Play with your Club Card now through July 20 for your chance to win! Drawings start at 3PM. Grand Prize Drawing at 5PM. Visit Player Services for complete details. Must be present to win. No purchase necessary.

Jackpot Rewards ~ March 15 - June 29
For every taxable jackpot* you hit between March 15 and June 29, you will receive one ballot towards your share of $15,000 in Free Slot Play!  Visit Player Services for complete details. Taxable jackpot of $1,200 or greater to qualify.

That's all for now.

Binbin

Maine Casinos News & Promos

Oxford Casino to Get Hotel?
The Sun Journal of Lewiston reported that a year after Maine’s newest casino opened in Oxford, developers have decided to build a hotel with conference space and a restaurant directly across the street.  Casalinova Development Group, Oxford-based company will partner with GIRI Hotel Management announced Thursday that it will build an 80- to 120-room, four-story hotel on what is now the family owned Crestholm Farm across the street from the Oxford Casino. The development has no connection to the casino.  GIRI has other Maine hotels in Augusta, Freeport and Waterville, and will own and operate the Oxford hotel once it’s built. The hotel’s name will be announced in the coming weeks. When fully completed, the development is expected to create between 90 and 125 jobs, the company said.  The announcement comes a year after the opening of the Oxford Casino, which has more than 800 slot machines and 22 table games and employs 420 people.


Oxford is One-Year Old
Oxford Casino is hosting several days of special events from Wednesday, June 5, to Sunday, June 9, in honor of the casino's one-year anniversary, according to the Oxford gaming destination, which boasts 793 slot machines and 22 table games.
Each day, Oxford Casino will give away a limited edition T-shirt to the first 500 people (age 21 and older) who walk through the door. Oxford Casino is also offering ways to earn entries into a special drawing to win a 2013 Corvette Coupe. Oxford Casino expects thousands of guests from around New England to visit during the one-year anniversary celebration, according to a press release about the event.
Since opening its doors on June 5, 2012, Oxford Casino has attracted well over a million guests to its table games, slot machines and restaurant, Oxford Grill, the press release stated. The casino has so far generated more than $23.8 million in tax revenue for the state of Maine from table games and slot machines, the press release stated. The anniversary celebration will highlight the successes of the casino — from the facility's expansion to the creation of approximately 450 new jobs, of which 90 percent were filled by Maine residents, the press release stated.

Hollywood Casino
CLUB HOLLYWOOD & CELEBRITY EARNINGS
Club Hollywood earn 50X Camaro entries & Celebrities earn 70X entries on Friday, June 14 starting at 8AM! Plus, Play $10, Get $10 Free Slot Play between 3PM-9PM. Club Hollywood can Play $10, Get $10 up to 3 times, and Celebrities up to 4 times!
*Visit Player Services for complete details. Bonus entries earned based on card level between 8AM-11:59PM on specified dates.

Things continue to rock in Maine.

That's all for now.

Binbin

Meanwhile, Back in the Downeast Casinos.....

Maine Casino News & Promos

Another Gambling Facility in Maine?
If Scarborough Downs has its way, residents will be voting again on whether to allow a racino in town. The Planning Board now has the language and maps necessary to rezone more than 450 acres owned by Scarborough Downs, passed along after a 6-0 Town Council vote. The current zoning language lists video and casino gambling as prohibited uses, but Town Planner Dan Bacon noted it can be easily amended if councilors and residents approve a change. Gambling at Scarborough Downs would again require approval from voters across the state.

This is news to this blogger, since this first came up before Hollywood & Oxford Casinos and I haven't reached my one year anniversary of this blog yet!  Plans to build a racino near the track were rejected by voters in 2008. In 2010, Terry was courted by Biddeford officials and gained voter support there to build a racino on land off Route 111, west of the Maine Turnpike. The plans were halted in 2011, when proposals for gambling in Biddeford and Washington County were defeated in a statewide referendum.

When one door closes (NH?) another window opens (ME?). I love New England!

Hollywood Casino, Hotel & Raceway
THE NEW LIUC (Live It Up Club) - SHARE OF $5,000 FREE SLOT PLAY
Drawings 11am-3pm for our 50+ members every 1st & 3rd Sunday of each month. Stop by Player Services to pick up your exclusive LIUC pin & ballot for our $500 bonus drawing! Present your pin at the Epic Buffet on the last Wednesday for one FREE* lunch buffet when you buy one at regular price. Visit website for more details.

Oxford Casino
Oxford is celebrating it's one-year anniversary, even as Maine’s Gambling Control Board has ruled that the Oxford Casino won’t be asked to apply for a new operator’s license if a sale to the company that owns the home of the Kentucky Derby is approved. Churchill Downs is expected to present its plans to the board in July.

One way they are celebrating is that the first 500 people through the door each day gets a special Anniversary T-Shirt free.

Short blog today, but didn't want to forget our casino neighbors to the north.

That's all for now.

Binbin