March 24, 2008
Despite Revenue Drops, Casino Spending 'Extraordinary'
By Matthew L. Brown
Revenues at Connecticut and Rhode Island casinos fell in 2007, but Massachsuetts residents still managed to spend $1.1 billion there, according to the Center for Policy Analysis at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth .
In its annual New England Gaming Update, the center notes that 2007 total revenue decreased by about 7 percent compared to 2006 at Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. And spending there by Massachusetts residents also fell by about 3.4 percent.
However, the update contends that "Massachusetts patronage of Connecicut and Rhode Island gaming venues remains strong and resilient." The Twin River casino in Rhode Island saw a 17 percent total revenue increase in 2007 and Massachusetts residents increased their spending there by more than 20 percent.
Clyde W. Barrow, the center's director, said spending on gaming in 2007 was "strong and resilient" considering the state of the U.S. and regional economy.
Massachusetts residents make up 36 percent of Foxwoods' visitors, 21 percent of Mohegan Sun's, 42 percent of Twin River's and 43 percent of Newport Grand's.
Foxwoods expects to complete the MGM Grand at Foxwoods, a massive $700 million expansion, in May.
By a very wide margin last week, the Massachusetts state Senate defeated Gov. Deval Patrick's legislation calling for three casinos in the state.
In its annual New England Gaming Update, the center notes that 2007 total revenue decreased by about 7 percent compared to 2006 at Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. And spending there by Massachusetts residents also fell by about 3.4 percent.
However, the update contends that "Massachusetts patronage of Connecicut and Rhode Island gaming venues remains strong and resilient." The Twin River casino in Rhode Island saw a 17 percent total revenue increase in 2007 and Massachusetts residents increased their spending there by more than 20 percent.
Clyde W. Barrow, the center's director, said spending on gaming in 2007 was "strong and resilient" considering the state of the U.S. and regional economy.
Massachusetts residents make up 36 percent of Foxwoods' visitors, 21 percent of Mohegan Sun's, 42 percent of Twin River's and 43 percent of Newport Grand's.
Foxwoods expects to complete the MGM Grand at Foxwoods, a massive $700 million expansion, in May.
By a very wide margin last week, the Massachusetts state Senate defeated Gov. Deval Patrick's legislation calling for three casinos in the state.
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