Mohegan Sun Nets 16 Top Finishes for New England, Including “Best Hotel,” “Best Craps,” “Best Slot Tournaments” and “Best Overall Sportsbook”
UNCASVILLE, CT (August 17, 2026) – Mohegan Sun has once again been recognized among the top gaming and entertainment destinations in the region, earning 34 total awards in Casino Player Magazine’s Best of Gaming 2026. The annual, reader-voted awards honored Mohegan Sun with 16 first-place finishes, including “Best Overall Gaming Resort.” For nearly 30th years, Casino Player Magazine’s Best of Gaming Awards have recognized excellence across the gaming industry.
Additional first-place awards earned by Mohegan Sun in the Best of Gaming 2026 were: “Favorite Casino Resort to Vacation At,” “Best Casino,” “Best VIP Lounge/Services,” “Best Hosts,” “Best Slot Tournaments,” “Best Video Slots,” “Best Craps,” “Best Video Poker,” “Best Overall Sportsbook,”Best Prop Bets,” “BestHotel, Best Hotel Lobby,” “Best Rooms,” “Best Suites” and “Best Spa.”
“It’s once again an honor to receive these recognitions from Casino Player Magazine and its readers,” said Jeff Hamilton, President & General Manager of Mohegan Sun. “It’s a continued testament to the commitment of our team in providing exceptional guest service and a world-class experience across the resort, and especially throughout our Slots and Table Game offerings.”
Mohegan Sun, home to one of the most expansive casino floors in the US across both Casino of the Earth and Casino of the Sky, has invested heavily in bringing world-class gaming to visitors. With nearly 4,000 slots, 300+ Table Games, an acclaimed poker room, various high-limit lounges and a massive Sportsbook home to a 140-foot-wide continuous video wall, the largest on the east coast, Mohegan Sun caters to every style of player, from casual guests to seasoned enthusiasts.
Mohegan Sun has also awarded millions in Jackpots this summer, including a $375,000 payout on a rare Five-Card Royal Flush on a Blackjack side bet in Casino of the Earth on July 10th. On June 30th, a New Yorker playing a Thunder Empire™ slot machineby Aristocrat Gaming struck it big for $1,557,777 in Casino of the Sky. On Thursday, August 13th, a lucky guest also hit a jackpot for just over $1 million playing Dragon Link™ by Aristocrat Gaming.
Mohegan Sun’s Summer Blackjack Tournament Series also continues every Wednesday through September 2nd, where players who earn two Status Points can receive entry into tournaments running from 4:00pm – 8:00pm, competing for a share of more than $100,000 in prizes awarded throughout the series.
Dining & Nightlife at Mohegan Sun also earned top rankings by Casino Player Magazine this past May. As part of the Best of Dining & Nightlife 2026, Mohegan Sun won “Best Overall Dining” in addition to individual honors for TheFarm Italy at Ballo Italian, TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge, novelle, Sift Bake Shop and more. In the Entertainment section of this awards issue, Mohegan Sun Arena was recognized as Best Place to See a Concert, and The Sun Patio at Mohegan Sun was also recognized for “Best Outdoor Concerts.”
Casino Player Magazine is a leading casino lifestyle outlet, and its Best of Gaming Awards have earned industry-wide recognition as a benchmark of excellence in the industry for decades. Casino Player Publishing delivers timely casino news, insights and destination coverage to readers across the country. The publication’s affiliated website, CasinoCenter.com, was launched in 1995 and remains a trusted resource for the gaming industry.
For more information on dining, nightlife and gaming offerings at Mohegan Sun, visit mohegansun.com.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, two distinct convention centers, an expo center, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun and view us on YouTube.
Aristocrat Gaming’s Popular Dragon Link™ Made a Millionaire in July while the all-new Thunder Empire™ Joins Mohegan Sun’s Hold & Spin Slot Zone
Mohegan Sun is excited to announce a new addition to Casino of the Sky by way of the thrilling new offering, Thunder Empire™ byAristocrat Gaming. These new games officially launched on June 30th, and not soon after, another popular Aristocrat Gaming title, Dragon Link™, made a millionaire after a lucky guest from New York hit a jackpot for a massive $1,557,777 – one of the largest jackpots ever at Mohegan Sun! This big win came in Casino of the Sky, not far from the Hold & Spin Slot Zone where guests can also now play the all-new Thunder Empire.
Packed with vibrant visuals, engaging gameplay and the excitement of Hold & Spin bonus features, Thunder Empire gives guests another gaming experience at Mohegan Sun. The game entertains players with a richly themed world inspired by the power and majesty of an ancient empire. Featuring dynamic animations and multiple opportunities to unlock bonus rewards, the game combines Aristocrat’s signature Hold & Spin mechanics with big-time jackpot potential.
Designed for both seasoned slot enthusiasts and casual players alike, Thunder Empire players can activate the game’s Hold & Spin feature by landing six or more designated bonus symbols. Once triggered, players receive three re-spins and have the opportunity to collect additional bonus symbols while maintaining momentum toward larger rewards. Every new bonus symbol resets the re-spin counter, keeping the excitement alive as players pursue jackpots and bonus prizes.
Mohegan Sun continues to offer one of the largest and most innovative selections of slots in North America. Guests can also maximize their play through Momentum, Mohegan’s industry-leading free rewards program that allows members to earn points, and unlock exclusive offers throughout the casino and resort.
The $1,557,777 Dragon Link™jackpot is the largest amount of money won on a single slot machine spin since a separate lucky guest won a whopping $1,770, 327 on IGT’s Whitney Houston™ game on March 10, 2026.
For more information about slot play, Momentum rewards and all gaming offerings, visit mohegansun.com.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, two distinct convention centers, an expo center, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan also operates an iGaming division, Mohegan Digital, in Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Ontario, CA providing cutting-edge online gaming solutions to Mohegan’s loyal fan base. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun and view us on YouTube.
Spanning cities across the United States and Canada, “LIVE” brings together some of the most influential voices in music for a series of performances celebrating creativity, collaboration, and the enduring spirit of live artistry. Presented in select venues and amphitheaters throughout North America, LIVE offers audiences an opportunity to experience an unforgettable evening shaped by genre-defying music, improvisation, and the unique energy that has defined Badu’s live performances for nearly three decades.
Tickets to see this iconic musical trio go on sale Friday, June 26th via Ticketmaster, with tickets available for purchase at the Mohegan Sun Box Office starting Saturday, June 27th.
Erykah Badu is a multifaceted creative force whose influence spans music, fashion, art, film, wellness, and culture. Widely recognized as the “Queen of Neo-Soul,” her groundbreaking catalog, visionary performances, and genre-defying creativity have earned her critical acclaim, commercial success, and five Grammy Awards. Beyond music, Badu continues to shape cultural conversations through entrepreneurship, design, technology, and community-building initiatives, solidifying her status as one of the most influential artists of her generation.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN ARENA
Mohegan Sun Arena is one of the busiest sports & entertainment venues in the world and recently was named the “Best Casino Concert Venue” in the 2026 Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards. In 2021, the 10,000-seat Arena also received its first worldwide “#1 Indoor Arena” ranking for its size from both Pollstar and VenuesNow. The arena is also an eight-time winner of “Arena of the Year” by the Academy of Country Music and was recognized as “Best Casino/Resort Venue of the Year” at the 37th Annual Pollstar Awards in 2026, an award Mohegan Sun Arena also won in 2024. The award-winning venue also celebrates its 25th anniversary in November 2026 with two special performances by Metallica. For more information on concerts and other great events, visit mohegansun.com/entertainment or call 1.888.226.7711. Complimentary self-parking is always available.
Renowned chef Bobby Flay joined Mohegan Executives to officially celebrate the refreshed restaurant & bar during National Burger Month
Last week Mohegan Sun officially celebrated the grand re-opening of Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony led by chef and restaurateur Bobby Flay. The event, held at 1:00pm on Thursday, May 21st, marked the official debut of the revamped location at Mohegan Sun that welcomed guests, media and Tribal officials to the enhanced dining atmosphere and experience.
To view a gallery of images from the event, click HERE.
Flay was joined by Mohegan Sun President & General Manager Jeff Hamilton and other Mohegan Tribal officials to commemorate the next chapter of Bobby’s Burgers.
Speaking to a large crowd gathered outside the new Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay in Casino of the Earth just prior to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Bobby Flay noted, “What a great turnout. We have been here at Mohegan Sun for 17 years now. Over that period, we have had this wonderful partnership and relationship with the people at Mohegan Sun. It takes a lot of effort with a lot of people to have a successful restaurant, and it isn’t easy! We appreciate the support, the amazing customers, and thank you to everyone here for really wanting to eat burgers fires and shakes. As long as you keep eating them, we’re going to keep cooking them!” said Bobby Flay.
“We’re really excited about this relationship, one that has lasted many many years and today celebrates another stage of that great partnership with Bobby Flay.” -said Jeff Hamilton, President & GM of Mohegan Sun. “We always look for brands and chefs that are aligned with our values, and at Mohegan Sun you always expect to have world-class entertainment, you expect to have an immersive experience, and you expect to have first-class service. And when you come to a Bobby Flay restaurant, you’re certainly getting amazing food, you’re enjoying a great dining experience and you’re receiving that world-class service.”
Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay at Mohegan Sun is one of the brand’s largest locations in the United States and is among the few to feature a full-service bar, which was also refreshed as part of the renovation. The updated space incorporates design elements inspired by the brand’s footprint in Las Vegas, Atlantic City and beyond, while introducing a streamlined counter-service model that enhances speed and convenience for guests.
The menu continues to highlight Flay’s signature take on classic American fare, including favorites such as the Crunchburger®, Bobby Blue + Bacon Burger and Palace Classic Burger, along with a rotating selection of limited-time burgers and signature shakes. Each burger is made using Certified Angus Beef™, prepared medium or well done, and served on a brioche bun, with grilled chicken and vegetarian options also available.
Chef Bobby Flay, a 16-time cookbook author, five-time Daytime Emmy Award winner and the first chef to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, continues to shape the culinary landscape through his acclaimed restaurants and concepts. Bobby’s Burgers brings his bold flavors and high-quality ingredients to a fast-casual setting designed for today’s diners.
Standard hours for Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay at Mohegan Sun are:
Sunday: 8:00am – Midnight
Monday – Thursday: 11:00am – Midnight
Friday: 11:00am – 3:00am
Saturday: 8:00am – 3:00am
For more information, visit mohegansun.com. To view the full menu, visit mohegansun.com
Fan‑Favorite Comedian Takes The Stage Saturday, April 10, 2027
UNCASVILLE, CT (May 18, 2026) –– Stand-up comedian and musician Matt Mathews is set to bring his highly anticipated Not What I Ordered World Tour to Mohegan Sun Arena for one night only on Saturday, April 10, 2027 at 8:00pm.
With a massive social media following spanning more than 15 million fans, Mathews brings his unfiltered, wildly relatable storytelling to the stage. Tickets go on sale Thursday, May 21st at 10:00am via Ticketmaster, with Box Office sales beginning the following day.
Matt Mathews is a comedian, singer/songwriter, and unapologetic trailblazer whose raw honesty, razor-sharp wit, and unmistakable Southern charm have made him one of comedy’s fastest-rising stars. Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Mathews first captured national attention during the pandemic with his viral “farm chore” videos, turning everyday chaos, unfiltered storytelling, and authentic humor into a social media phenomenon. Today, he has built a devoted audience of more than 15 million followers and generated over a billion views across platforms.
What started as a playful escape from his full-time career as a boudoir photographer quickly evolved into a breakout comedy career. After performing stand-up for the first time in 2022, Mathews rapidly went from small clubs to sold-out theaters and arenas across the country. His wildly successful Boujee On A Budget Tour sold more than 250,000 tickets and included multiple performances at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium as well as his first-ever arena show in his hometown of Birmingham.
Now, Mathews returns to the stage with his newest tour, Not What I Ordered — a hilarious and deeply personal look at life not going according to plan. Through stories about relationships, family, fame, farm life, mental health, and the chaos of everyday living, Mathews delivers the kind of brutally honest comedy that has made fans feel like they’ve known him forever. Equal parts outrageous, heartfelt, and wildly relatable, the tour showcases his unique ability to turn life’s messiest moments into unforgettable comedy.
Mathews’ work is rooted in his real-life experiences as a farmer, barrel racer, entrepreneur, proud Alabamian, and openly gay entertainer navigating the industry with authenticity and humor. His perspective has earned him recognition from Deadline, which named him among the “Future of Comedy,” as well as praise from The Advocate for the path he continues to carve in entertainment.
Whether performing stand-up, recording music, or filming from the farm, Matt Mathews continues to build a career entirely on his own terms — proving that sometimes life may be not what you ordered, but it might turn out even better. For tour dates, music updates, and more, visit mattmathews.com.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN ARENA
Mohegan Sun Arena, one of the busiest sports and entertainment venues in the world, was awarded the 2024 Newsweek Readers’ Choice award for “Best Casino with Live Entertainment in America.” Mohegan Sun Arena was also named “Best Casino/Resort Venue of the Year” at the 35th Annual Pollstar Awards. In 2021, the 10,000-seat Arena also received its first worldwide “#1 Indoor Arena” ranking for its size from both Pollstar and VenuesNow. In recent years, the “Most Beloved Venue in America” has also been named the “World’s Best Casino Venue,” by Hartford Magazine, and is an eight-time national award winner for “Arena of the Year” by the Academy of Country Music Awards and one from G2E Las Vegas. For more information on concerts and other great events, visit the Mohegan Sun website. For this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711. Complimentary self-parking is available in three convenient garages.
Mohegan Sun’s All-New Reel Catch Food Truck Also Debuts
Summer once again starts early at Mohegan Sun as on Saturday, May 30th, the annual Summer Kick-Off event returns to the Sun Patio with live music, family-friendly fun and the official debut of Reel Catch, Mohegan Sun’s all-new seafood food truck. For this year’s festival, the first 250 guests will also receive a complimentary Six Flags ticket, courtesy of Coca-Cola, while the first 100 guests 21+ will also enjoy a free cocktail at the Sun Patio Bar.
The Summer Kick-Off at Mohegan Sun’s Sun Patio is free and scheduled for Saturday, May 30th, from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. The Summer Kick-off at Mohegan Sun welcomes all ages to enjoy an afternoon of sunshine, food, and music. Live entertainment will be provided by Rhode Island’s Madhatter Band.
Reel Catch Food Truck by Mohegan Sun
New to the annual Summer Kick-Off is the debut of Reel Catch, Mohegan Sun’s new seafood food truck, serving up fresh, coastal-inspired favorites. The menu highlights include Narragansett Fresh Catch Fish & Chips; fresh Maine hot and cold lobster rolls; lobster corn dogs; lobster grilled cheese; and classic New England clam chowder. Reel Catch will remain a permanent addition to the Sun Patio throughout the summer, giving guests a new go-to destination for seasonal seafood.
The event will also feature a lineup of other food trucks, ensuring a diverse range of options for attendees:
Yummy Wagon: Providing a selection of popular dishes.
Rubino’s Full Scoop: Serving frozen treats and desserts.
Guests can also take advantage of promotions during the annual Summer Kick-Off on the Sun Patio. The first 250 guests will receive a complimentary ticket to any Six Flags Parks location, courtesy of Coca-Cola (limit one per person). Additionally, the first 100 guests 21+ at the Sun Patio Bar will enjoy a complimentary cocktail, courtesy of Red Bull (Limit one per person). Seating by the fire pits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, enhancing the outdoor party experience.
Located near Casino of the Earth, the Sun Patio is a large open air space, equipped with a new state-of-the-art music stage, allowing guests to soak in the warmer weather. Sun Patio Bar will officially open at the Summer Kick-off event and then standard hours are Fridays from 3:00pm – midnight, Saturdays from Noon – midnight and on Sunday, Noon – 8:00pm. Sundays throughout summer at the Sun Patio Bar are also set to feature live acoustic music. Private events are also possible on the Sun Patio, and more information can be found by inquiring to: [email protected]
In addition to Summer Kick-off, Mohegan Sun guests can also enjoy phenomenal tribute acts throughout the summer every Friday evening beginning June 19th as part of the Party on the Sun Patio series. The annual Sun Tequila Tasting is also slated for Friday, May 8th starting at 8:00pm on the Sun Patio. For more information, visit mohegansun.com/sunpatio.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, two distinct convention centers, an expo center, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan also operates an iGaming division, Mohegan Digital, in Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Ontario, CA providing cutting-edge online gaming solutions to Mohegan’s loyal fan base. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun and view us on YouTube.
