Fewer Quarters Going into Slots

November slot machine revenues continued the recent trend of dropping from 2007 levels, although the declines slowed from October.

Numbers released Monday by Foxwoods Resort Casino placed its slot machine take for last month at $54.5 million, a decrease of $4.5 million from November 2007. While it represents a drop of about 7 percent from last year, it compares to October’s 7.4 percent drop.

At Mohegan Sun, slot machines produced $66.7 million in profits last month. The $3.2 million decline from November 2007 equals about 5.2 percent.

“But we were down 9 percent in October,” Mohegan Chief Operating Officer Jeff Hartmann said. “And $66.7 million still is a strong monthly slot number,” he said.

Hartmann and Michael Speller, president of the Mashantucket Pequot Gaming Enterprise, which operates Foxwoods, credited their product, their staff and loyal clientele for coming through during a tough national economy.

“Our gaming enterprises continue to be a leading economic force contributing significantly to the stability and growth of the region, and will remain so as we continue to position ourselves for solid future growth,” Speller said.

Under an agreement with the state, Foxwoods’ take will result in a $13.6 million contribution to the state. Mohegan Sun’s contribution will be just shy of $16.7 million.