People will spend more time at casinos if they can extend the time they have a slot lever in one hand and cocktail in the other, casinos believe. But that controversial plan to extend drinking hours to get people to spend more time at the two casinos in southeastern Connecticut is drawing criticism.
Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun are pushing for the change, saying they would be more competitive with casinos in Atlantic City if they were allowed to serve alcohol 24 hours a day.
Under a current gaming compact with the state of Connecticut, both casinos give the state 25 percent of their monthly slot revenue.
First selectmen in several towns, including Preston and North Stonington, have raised public safety concerns and said extended alcohol hours could lead to more drunken drivers and put a strain on local emergency departments.
