Mohegan's properties generated $5.2B in economic activity in 2019, report shows

Mohegan announced Wednesday its North American properties generated a total of $5.2 billion in local economic activity in 2019, as informed in the brand’s first-ever Economic Impact Report. 

Analyzing data for 2019, which currently stands as the most recent representative year, the report details Mohegan’s impact on employment, household income, direct visitor spending, as well as state and local tax support. The casino operator commissioned independent economic advisory firm Oxford Economics to conduct the study. 

The analysis is based on the operations of Mohegan’s properties in Uncasville, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Washington and Atlantic City in the U.S., and the Casino Niagara in Ontario. 

Mohegan Sun in Connecticut

The total $5.2 billion in economic activity includes 35,000 jobs created, and more than $2.7 million in revenues generated onsite and off-property by the 15.7 million visitors in all the North American company destinations. 

Mohegan paid $759.3 million in state and local taxes, including gaming contributions. Business purchases escalated to $639.2 million in contribution to operations, network support of local businesses of all sizes in the communities and regions where the company is active. 

James Gessner Jr., Chairman of the Mohegan Tribe, said: “Mohegan is deeply-rooted in supporting the communities in which we operate and serve, and this new report makes clear the true scale of that impact across our critical partnerships, charitable giving sustainability initiatives, funding infrastructure, and direct contributions to state and local government revenues.”

“We are guided by our core values and our centuries-old philosophy, ‘Spirit of Aquai’ – living the importance of cultivating productive and long-term relationships. This study demonstrates the important benefits of those relationships,” he added. 

Mohegan Sun saw 5.5 million visitors, who spent $82.6 million at off-site locations, the study shows. Of those, 57% traveled to Uncasville from outside the state, including from Boston and New York. 73% of visitors came for the day and 27% stayed overnight, according to the study. Visitors spent $20.9 million on lodging, $13.2 million on recreation, $9.1 million on retail and $4.1 million on local transportation. 

The casino operator’s second-most impactful casino was Niagara Casinos in Ontario. It saw total direct spending of $609.33 million during 2019, along with $537 million in operational spending and $72.4 million in visitor off-site spending. The casino had a total economic impact of $1.3 billion.  

Niagara Casinos also had the second-highest number of visitors after Mohegan Sun, with 3.6 million visitors during 2019. It was followed by 3.5 million visitors to Mohegan Pennsylvania with 3.5 million visitors. Ilani in Ridgefield, Washington saw 2.5 million visitors, and Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City had 583,000 visitors. 

Ray Pineault

Ray Pineault, President and CEO of Mohegan, also commented: “We’re gratified that our continued success has a positive impact on local businesses and the surrounding communities.”

“Our success is a credit to the one-of-a-kind entertainment and experience that our team members provide at each property. As we continue to expand into new locations, including Las Vegas and Korea, we look forward to continuing to contribute to the prosperity of the communities in which we live and serve,” he said. 

Lastly, Mark Giannantonio, Resorts Casino Hotel President and CEO, noted: “I am most proud of our continued commitment to the many social programs throughout Atlantic City. Our partnership with the Community Food Bank, Boys and Girls Club, Jewish Family Services and Avanzar’ Woman Shelter are just a few examples of our company and team members’ support to those in our community in need of a helping hand.”

See the full report here.