Getting Your Gambling Fix in Connecticut

Foxwoods is the largest stand-alone casino in the world and it is truly impressive. The highlights include a huge number of gambling tables, a non-smoking portion of the casino, and 'cheesy' Indian statues and decorations. Foxwoods tries to provide things for both the gambler and nongambler, but I am always focused on the gambling. Non-gambling highlights include golf, an Indian museum (one of the largest in the world), and a variety of world-class performers throughout the year.

Quick Tips:

Get a Wampum card (gambler's card) and keep track of your points. Your gambling time adds up and you get points toward merchandise and other free stuff.

Consider stopping in for a few hours on your way to somewhere else. I like to stop on my way from New York City to New England. On my last trip to Maine, I stopped in for an hour and made a quick .

Get a cheap hotel on the way back to New York City if you stay up all night gambling. The drive is boring and I have almost killed myself numerous times trying to stay awake at the wheel.

Best Way To Get Around:

I usually drive. However, the Metro North Railroad and Foxwoods buses will get you there if you prefer. Foxwoods has also added a boat ride from Long Island.

I love this casino because it is always very clean and you have tons of tables to choose from. Also, I really appreciate the non-smoking portion of the casino. You will generally find a fun crowd that is not nearly as depressing as the crowd of 'seasoned' gamblers you find in Atlantic City. Plus, the whole scene is so ridiculous, you can't help but have fun. One half of you feels like the Mashantucket Pequot Indian tribe has totally sold out, but then the practical side of you realizes that that is the point. They are making millions and part of that is due to the environment they have created. Some people actually have fun there without gambling. I on the other hand, usually make a beeline straight to the tables. Unfortunately, the crowds are hard to bear on weekend nights, but that is the case at all good casinos.

If you are looking for something a little more understated than Foxwoods, then you will enjoy Mohegan Sun. It is considerably smaller (although still plenty big). The crowds tend to be smaller and the atmosphere is a bit quainter. For instance, the main casino floor is divided into four sections whose decor is designed to imitate the four seasons (summer, fall, winter, spring). It makes it easy to get around the casino and also looks pretty neat. You will find plenty of tables and a generally fun crowd.