Connecticut casinos push for 4 a.m. alcohol service to rival MGM Springfield

A high-stakes battle brews as Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun fight to keep gamblers—and tax dollars—from fleeing to Massachusetts. Will lawmakers extend last call?

, and Administrator

2026 March 29 . 1:15 AM

1 min read

The image shows a casino sign lit up at night in front of a building, with text on the wall and... — The image shows a casino sign lit up at night in front of a building, with text on the wall and lights illuminating the area. On the right side of the image, there are boards with text, likely advertising the best casinos in Las Vegas.

Connecticut casinos push for 4 a.m. alcohol service to rival MGM Springfield

Connecticut's two largest casinos, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, are pushing for later alcohol service to stay competitive. The move comes as MGM Springfield, a $960 million resort, prepares to open just across the state line. Tribal leaders argue that Massachusetts' extended hours put Connecticut's venues at a financial disadvantage. MGM Springfield is set to launch on 24 August 2018, offering gambling and entertainment until 4 am. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission approved the later closing time, while Connecticut's current law cuts off alcohol sales at 2 am. Tribal representatives, including Mashantucket Pequot leaders, claim this disparity threatens slot revenue and local jobs.

To counter MGM's pull, Connecticut lawmakers previously greenlit a smaller satellite casino in East Windsor. Yet concerns remain about losing gamblers—and the tax revenue they generate—to the new Massachusetts resort. Mohegan Tribe spokesman Chuck Bunnell stressed that without extended hours, Connecticut's casinos will struggle to keep visitors. Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun now want bars inside their resorts to serve drinks until 4 am, though other venues would still close by 1 am or 2 am. The request targets casino floors specifically, aiming to match MGM Springfield's operating schedule.

The push for later last calls highlights the growing rivalry between Connecticut and Massachusetts casinos. If approved, the change could help Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun retain gamblers and protect tax income. Lawmakers will decide whether to adjust the state's liquor laws to level the playing field.