Slot revenues decline in March

Foxwoods Resort Casino and the Mohegan Sun both reported March slot winnings Monday that were significantly down from the figures posted for the same month last year.

"We experienced some softness in gaming," acknowledged Foxwoods chief executive Scott C. Butera in a statement.

The Mohegan Sun released figures that showed slot winnings down more than $3 million in March, or 5.5 percent, from the same period in 2011. Foxwoods' slot winnings were off by more than $2 million, or about 4.5 percent.

Jeff Hartmann, president and chief executive of the Mohegan Sun, said in a phone interview that the lower slot numbers in March related to a sense of uneasiness among consumers.

"Gas prices definitely impact discretionary dollars," he said.

Nevertheless, Hartmann said strong results in accommodations and table games helped offset lower slots numbers.

"We're pleased with our operating results," he said.

Foxwoods had posted slot winnings of $55.1 million in March of last year, but the number dipped to $52.7 million this year. Mohegan Sun earned $62.7 million in slot wins last March, but reported only $59.3 million in winnings this year.

Foxwoods' winnings led to a state contribution of $14.8 million in March, while Mohegan Sun sent $15.3 million to the Connecticut Special Revenue Fund.

Foxwoods handled $637.7 million in slot revenues during the month, while Mohegan Sun's handle was $710.8 million.

Mohegan Sun reported $5.3 million in free slots play, while Foxwoods reported nearly $7.1 million in free play.

l.howard@theday.com