Foxwoods CEO resigns as casinos remain closed

April 15, 2020
By

Foxwoods Resort Casino President and CEO John James has resigned from his position effective immediately.

James had been in his role at the Connecticut-based casino for just eight months, taking over from Rodney Butler who had been interim CEO, after previous incumbent Felix Rappaport died in June 2018.

A statement from the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation said James has resigned to spend more time with his family, with tribal member and SVP of Resort Operations at Foxwoods, Jason Guyot, taking over as interim CEO during the search for a permanent successor.

The statement added: "The Tribal Council believes that together with our talented executive team, Foxwoods will continue to focus on managing through the remainder of the COVID-19 crisis and the re-opening of our facilities at an appropriate time in a way that prioritizes the health and safety of the members of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, our Team Members, and the public as a whole.

“We are currently focused on a strategic reopening plan, which will take into consideration safe and social distancing guidelines. We will share updates as our plans are solidified."

The COVID-19 outbreak has had a significant impact on casinos, with closures causing Foxwoods to furlough more than 5,000 employees.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont recently rejected a request for tribes to offer online gaming during the lockdown period.

State-by-State

Product Spotlight

CasinoTrac

CasinoTrac is reducing handpay downtime by nearly 90% with SlotSUITE's Self-Pay & W-2 G printing at the slot machine.
GA HUDDLE #086

Michael Hershman - Dispelling casino 'myths:' New York needs to lose fear of the unknown

Michael Hershman, CEO of the Soloviev Group, joins Tim Poole on the Huddle to put forward his case that the Freedom Plaza is the way to go for one of New York's casino licences. He fields a variety of questions - not shying away from any of them - on why 'myths' about casinos and a fear of the unknown should be dispelled, as well as acknowledging the strength of rival bids and discussing opposition to the project.
GA HUDDLE #085

Christian Smith - Slot machines a "beautiful intersection of psychology and mathematics"

Bluberi's Christian Smith speaks to Gaming America in an enlightening Huddle. Topics include: the 'Australification' of US gambling, the blending of psychology and mathematics, and the rising trend of three-pot fillers.

As the Tribal gaming sector congregates once more in the Golden State, is it too cliché of me to suggest we are heading for a golden era of Tribal gaming? With the industry set to meet at the Indian Gaming Association t...

10-11-From-the-top
From The Top: Will youth be served by Sports Betting?
Two recent interviews in our Huddle podcast revealed to Las Vegas correspondent Brian Joseph just how young sports betting entrepreneurs are becoming.
12-GA-MAR-10-year-v2
The Global Gaming Awards: Rewarding Excellence
The 10th edition of the Global Gaming Awards took place in Las Vegas last year. Gaming America looks back... and ahead to this year's.
16-18-IGA-Preview
Preview: Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention
Gaming America looks ahead to the 2024 Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention and what attendees can expect when they arrive at the Anaheim Convention Centre.
20-22-GA-Mar-888-Holding-article
888 and the US Market: A cautionary tale
Gaming America explores the risk of resting on your laurels and the challenge of remaining relevant in a rapidly expanding market.