Mashantucket Pequot tribe officially opens Foxwoods Puerto Rico casino

The casino will be managed by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, who also own and operate the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

Foxwoods El San Juan will be open daily through mid-December, with provisional plans in place to remain open 24/7 in the future if novel coronavirus (Covid-19) protocols allow.

“Today is a landmark milestone for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation as we expand the Foxwoods Resort Casino brand – for the first time ever – to the Caribbean,” Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation chairman Rodney Butler said

“We’re honoured to bring real economic value and tourism to the region – including an estimated economic impact of $22 million – with the launch of Foxwoods El San Juan Casino and remain a committed partner as we help build a bright future for the island. We thank our partners at LionGrove and Fairmont El San Juan for making this happen.”

Puerto Rico governor Pedro Pierlusi added the new casino will have a positive impact on the local economy and community.

“This past January, we made the historic announcement that this iconic casino would reopen its doors. After a lot of work, today I am pleased to be present to formalize the opening of Foxwoods El San Juan Casino,” Pierlusi said.

“With Foxwoods El San Juan Casino’s capital investment of $12.5m, the casino will positively impact our economy and create over 150 direct jobs,” Pierlusi continued. “I remain committed to the economic development of our Island, through efforts like Foxwoods El San Juan Casino, to boost tourism growth and investment in Puerto Rico.”

Puerto Rico is working through a process to expand its gaming industry, with sports betting regulations under development since 2020. This has already seen BetMGM position itself for market entry, through a partnership with Casino del Mar at La Concha Resort.