Lessons learned while being snowed in at Foxwoods

Sunday, February 1, 2026 5:05 PM
Photo:  Foxwoods Resort Casino (courtesy)
  • Tribal Gaming
  • Kelly Koffler, CDC Gaming

What was supposed to be a simple long weekend at Foxwoods Resort Casino in southeastern Connecticut turned into an unexpected adventure and, honestly, one I won’t forget anytime soon. 

I arrived on Thursday, January 22, expecting to head home Sunday after attending the casino’s annual Slot-A-Con. Instead, Mother Nature had other plans. A winter storm rolled in, travel shut down, and before I knew it, Sunday turned into Monday – then Tuesday. I was officially snowed in.

Slot floor at Foxwoods Resort Casino (courtesy)

To be fair, if you’re going to get “stuck” somewhere, there are far worse places than Foxwoods.

I have to give a big shout-out to the Foxwoods team, specifically Chris Baily, VP of Player Development. They handled the situation with professionalism and genuine care. I never once felt stressed about anything; they made it so easy! Our hotel stays were immediately extended and, thanks to the decisions made by Foxwoods, guests never really felt any sort of disruption. Employees were given rooms on the property so they could safely continue to work and ensure that guests still had access to amenities and services. For guests like me, that made all the difference.

The G Spa at Foxwoods Resort Casino (courtesy)

Sunday, originally my departure day, became a day of peace and relaxation rather than a day of panic and despair. With nowhere to go and nothing to rush for, I leaned into the experience. I spent the entire day at the spa, enjoying a massage and facial — both were fabulous. Next, I relaxed in the hot tub, watching the snow fall outside. It was one of those rare moments when you realize you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be, even if it wasn’t part of the plan. Later, some friends and I went to DraftKings Sports Bar, where we enjoyed cocktails and some of the best queso I’ve ever eaten while we watched football and laughed about the absurdity of the situation.

DraftKings Sportsbook at Foxwoods Resort Casino (courtesy DraftKings)

Speaking of friends, that was another silver lining of the extra days — spending more time with fellow content creators. Instead of rushed hellos and busy schedules, we had time together to talk, collaborate, and break bread. The sense of community that Slot-A-Con fosters only grew stronger as acquaintances turned into real friendships.

The author (second from right) and friends at Slot-A-Con at Foxwoods Resort Casino

Foxwoods didn’t just host an event that weekend. They hosted people. It’s easy to deliver a great experience when everything goes according to plan. It’s much harder, and far more telling, when things don’t.

By the time I finally left on Tuesday, I was tired and my wallet was much lighter than expected, but I was genuinely grateful — grateful to Foxwoods for the hospitality and to Mother Nature for the reminder that sometimes it’s okay to slow down.