Foxwoods upgrades its online ‘social casino’

Mashantucket — Foxwoods Resort Casino has launched an online “social casino” designed to drive players back to the real thing.

The site — a retooled version of the one Foxwoods rolled out in 2013 — enables online slots and table-games players to earn “loyalty” points that can be converted to Foxwoods Rewards points, which can be redeemed for things like free hotel stays, dinners and tickets to shows — all back at the bricks-and-mortar casino.

Online players can use a credit card to purchase loyalty points.

“We are excited to extend the Foxwoods experience online through this industry-leading gaming platform,” Felix Rappaport, Foxwoods’ president and chief executive officer, said in a statement. “FoxwoodsONLINE provides the unparalleled gaming atmosphere that guests have come to know at Foxwoods Resort Casino.”

Though many in the gaming industry expected the widespread legalization of online wagering after the federal government lifted its ban on the practice in 2011, states like Connecticut have not rushed to embrace it. Nationally, online gambling remains illegal outside Nevada, Delaware and New Jersey.

“We came in thinking the real money market wasn’t happening,” said Gabriel Cianchetto, president of Greentube North America, Foxwoods’ partner in developing the social casino site at www.online.foxwoods.com. “Foxwoods has this great brand. It spends hundreds of millions of dollars on loyalty programs, and when its customers leave, it wants them playing on desktops, smartphones and any other device they have.”

Cianchetto said the site can target specific players, tailoring offers.

“You’re not going to send a ‘whale’ (ultra-high roller) a $10 coupon for a buffet,” he said. “Maybe a coupon for dinner at (David) Burke’s or Criss Angel tickets.”

Greentube customized the site, recreating Foxwoods’ physical appearance.

“Online players will recognize the Foxwoods Resort Casino lobby as well as other popular areas throughout the property,” Cianchetto said.