Weak economy, competition press casino debt

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The chairman of the Indian tribe that runs Foxwoods Resort Casino in eastern Connecticut says the weak economy and sharply rising competition in the Northeast are making it hard to renegotiate $2.3 billion in debt.

Rodney Butler, chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council, said in an interview on WNPR radio on Tuesday that casinos expected to open in Massachusetts in the next few years and table games that he expects to be approved by voters in Rhode Island in November will sharply cut into revenue for Foxwoods and its competitors.

He said the debt accumulated because the Mashantucket tribe chose to seek growth over the years.

Butler also said more limits on smoking in the casino are not likely as Foxwoods seeks to cater to patrons who enjoy smoking while gambling.