by Charity Buntz

Created on: October 15, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

The Mohegan Sun is a popular casino destination in the New England area of Uncasville, CT. Located only 15 or 20 minutes from the popular Foxwoods, The Mohegan Sun completed a $1 billion expansion project in 2002 providing greater competition to its local rival. A full-service destination, the resort offers guest rooms, live entertainment, dining, a nearby golf course and plenty of options for gambling.

If you can afford the $250+ a night (and that's off-season) and are lucky enough to find an open room, you will enjoy your stay at Mohegan Sun. Even the most basic guest rooms feel luxurious and the suites are next to amazing. If you can't, however, there are a number of less expensive hotels that usually have plenty of vacancies only a few miles away. Plus, that will give you a chance to enjoy the view of the recently expanded 34-story, 1200 room hotel as you approach each day!

With over 20 places to grab a full meal and a handful of specialty shops, you will not be disappointed with the dining. Although the pricier fine dining restaurants like Michael Jordan's Steak House and Todd English's Tuscany will produce a fabulous meal, I recommend Big Bubba's BBQ for an affordable bite to eat that will get you back out to the game tables in no time.

The Mohegan Sun usually books highly popular entertainment acts and they post upcoming acts on their website about 3 or 4 months in advance. You could even plan your trip around your favorite musician or comedian (of course one of my last visits, the biggest act going was the Village People). The site is also a popular location for events such as wine festivals, pool tournaments and even bull riding competitions!

As for the gambling itself, there is almost 345,000 square feet of gaming space. More than double the 129,000 square feet at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, but paling in comparison to the Casino de Montral in Canada that boasts over 500,000 square feet of gaming space. For further comparison with its Canadian competition though, the Mohegan Sun actually has double the slot machines and gaming tables with over 6,500 and 350, respectively. There are three main gaming sections, Casino of the Earth, Casino of the Sky and the newest, Casino of the Wind. For myself, I can't stay away from the "fishy game" tucked away into the original section of the Casino of the Earth.

Make sure to get your Player's Club card before you make your first bet. Like most casino's, you earn points for each credit or chip you wager that are redeemable as cash at the casino's restaurants, shops, live shows and more. And with over 35 shops, you will find something to spend that earned cash on! Player's Club benefits can be checked out on the Mohegan Sun website as well.

If it hasn't been obvious, I enjoy vacationing in Uncasville at the Mohegan Sun. While I wouldn't recommend it as a "fun for the whole family" type of place, there is so much to enjoy for the adult vacationers. From the guest rooms to the dining options to the gaming, I would highly recommend this as a vacation spot. I bet you'll go more than once.

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