The Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut, not far from the Foxwoods resort, is the fourth-largest casino in the United States. The Mohegans have had to run their casino in the shadow of Foxwoods, and their facility is less well known. However, in the four years between the opening of Foxwoods and the opening the Mohegan Sun, the Mohegans had time to observe the Pequots and learn from their mistakes.

The term "Mohegan" means "Wolf People." The tribe claims to be the ancient Wolf Clan of the Lenni Lenape Indians, also known as the Delaware tribe. The Mohegans lived in upstate New York near Lake Champlain until shortly before European contact. Eventually, the tribe moved to Quinnehtucket, or Connecticut, the "place of the long tidal river."

The Mohegan Sun facility is stunning; it compares favorably with anything that Las Vegas has to offer. The Casino of the Sky and Wombi Rock are located under the Sky Dome, the world's largest and most spectacular planetarium dome. Thus, the ceiling of the casino awes visitors with an ever-changing display of constellations. The gorgeous 7-story waterfall located at The Shops at Mohegan Sun adds to the Vegas-like experience.

Gambling at Mohegan Sun

The casino is itself is round, roughly broken into four areas, each with its own entrance and seasonal theme -- winter, spring, summer and fall. The design and artwork all harken back to Mohegan tribal beliefs and culture, with special emphasis on the Mohegans' reverence for nature.

The gambling floors take up 300,000 square feet. Games include baccarat, blackjack, craps, Caribbean stud poker, keno, pai gow poker, roulette, sic bo, Spanish 21 and wheel of fortune. There are more than 6,000 slot machines in the various casinos.

There are two smoke-free gambling areas at Mohegan Sun. The Hall of the Lost Tribes in the Autumn area of the Casino of the Earth is a fully-enclosed 20,000-square-foot smoke-free slot room, with more than 600 slot machines, a full-service food and beverage snack bar, and a smoke-free cocktail bar with Video Poker. A second smoke-free area under the turtle dome In the Casino of the Sky holds 152 slot machines as well as blackjack and roulette tables.

Other Entertainment

Mohegan Sun has a 34-story hotel, with nearly 1,200 luxury guest rooms, including 175 suites and five hospitality suites. Each room is expertly designed to set a new standard of excellence. The Elemis Spa promises to take patrons on a unique journey of touch, taste and aroma. The facility also has more than 20 dining options, more than 30 fine shops and boutiques. The facility is also home to the WNBA's new Connecticut Sun.