One casino expands, another lays off workers

MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (WTNH) -- One of the state's casinos is expanding as its rival cuts back. Foxwoods is hiring for its new convenience center, but there are new employment opportunities coming to Mohegan Sun even as the casino lays off hundreds.

More people are being put to work at Foxwoods Casino.

Local contractors are building it and applications are being accepted for the new Pequot Outpost Convenience Center.

"There's definitely a need, especially with a fast food restaurant here in southeastern Connecticut," said William Satti, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. "A Burger King having a drive-thru, you don't see anything in probably an eight to 10 miles radius of here. It's a good bet, yes."

A good bet against tough economic odds. The expansion comes as casino rival Mohegan Sun lays off more than 300 employees. A cost saving measure costing the casino almost $10 million in severance packages.

"Every employee who was laid off was entitled to two weeks of severance per year of service with a minimum of four weeks and a maximum of 32 weeks," said Mitchell Etess, Mohegan Sun.

Plus they'll get health benefits during that time. Like Foxwoods though there are new employment opportunities at Mohegan Sun. Dylan's Candy Bar recently opened, a new restaurant could soon follow, and a hotel expansion that halted to avoid layoffs a few years ago may move forward, run by a third party. A safer bet for Mohegan Sun.

Even though it's a Mobil gas station and Burger King the folks who work there will be Foxwoods employees. There will be more than 60 of them, several of whom will be full-time.

Along with 24 gas pumps, the Mobil will also have diesel and electric hook ups.

"One of the first in the state, so we're very proud to be adding that to this full compliment of full service facility," Satti said.

Each casino continues to diversify to try to better their odds.