Connecticut Casinos Hit Record Visitors, Fueling Tourism Boom

Connecticut's tourism sector is roaring back, led by record-breaking crowds at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard and Mohegan Sun in Uncasville. The resorts reported their highest monthly visitor numbers since the COVID-19 pandemic, as initially covered by News 12 Connecticut, driving a surge in state tourism revenue through increased hotel taxes and spending on food, beverages and gaming. Visitors funneled 26% of their budgets into recreation, including casinos, amid a broader recovery that saw hotel room tax collections rise in the first half of 2025.[1][3][6] Statewide, the numbers paint a picture of unprecedented growth. In 2024, Connecticut welcomed 70 million visitors who spent $11.6 billion, up 5.3% from the prior year, generating a total economic impact of $19.5 billion and sustaining 5.1% of all jobs—one in 19 positions statewide. Food and beverage purchases alone accounted for $3.1 billion, or 27% of spending, while the visitor economy shielded state and local governments from an equivalent $1,058 per household in taxes. Gov. Ned Lamont highlighted this momentum, noting tourism's $17 billion in annual business sales and national press acclaim for the state's all-season campaigns.[2][3] Foxwoods is doubling down on the rebound with the spring 2026 reopening of the Two Trees Inn, closed for six years due to the pandemic and just a short walk from the main casino in Ledyard. The move expands hospitality options and underscores long-term investments, as emphasized by Foxwoods President and CEO Jason Guyot at a regional tourism conference. Guyot stressed boosting weekday and shoulder-season visits, workforce development and the 'halo effect' where guests explore multiple Connecticut destinations, amplifying economic spillover.[1][6] The casino-driven surge positions Connecticut as a leader in the evolving U.S. casino tourism market, alongside states like Rhode Island and Massachusetts. With tourism supporting 7% of jobs and delivering a 7:1 return on marketing investments—$8 back for every $1 spent—the state is harnessing day trips averaging 156 daily and 39 billion media impressions to sustain growth.[3][5][6]