Quick Answer

No, Foxwoods Resort Casino has extremely limited opportunities for individuals with felony convictions. As the largest resort casino in the Northeast owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, employment at Foxwoods is governed by the Mashantucket Pequot Gaming Commission, which holds regulatory authority over gaming operations on tribal land. Most positions require an Occupational Gaming License, and tribal gaming regulations mandate the denial of licenses for applicants convicted of any felony under Connecticut General Statutes.

The Gaming Commission's primary mission is to protect the integrity of gaming operations and safeguard tribal assets. This regulatory framework creates significant barriers for applicants with criminal histories. According to employee responses on Indeed, Foxwoods does not hire individuals with felonies for most positions. The law prohibits companies from having a blanket policy excluding all felons for most employers, but tribal gaming regulations supersede standard EEOC guidelines for positions requiring gaming licenses.

The greatest barriers are created by any felony conviction (mandatory denial for gaming licenses), crimes inimical to gaming (theft, fraud, computer crimes, dishonesty), and false or incomplete applications (automatic permanent denial). Unlike other industries, there is typically no lookback period—any felony at any time results in disqualification for gaming-licensed positions.

Limited opportunities may exist for certain ancillary positions that are not integral to gaming operations such as some hotel housekeeping, back-of-house kitchen, or retail roles which may have lower licensing barriers and could be subject to the Commission's discretion. Individuals with felony convictions should realistically consider alternative employers outside tribal gaming operations.

Table of Content

1. Quick Answer

2. Felon-Friendly Scorecard

3. Eligibility Checklist

4. Critical Regulatory Information

5. Company Overview

6. Hiring Policy Analysis

7. Background Check Process

8. Application Strategy

9. Tips for Applicants with Records

10. Benefits Overview

11. Frequently Asked Questions

12. Alternative Second Chance Employers

13. Conclusion

14. Disclaimer

Felon-Friendly Scorecard

Eligibility Checklist

Before applying for any position at Foxwoods Resort Casino, honestly assess whether you meet these baseline requirements. The gaming regulatory environment is among the strictest in any industry.

• Gaming License Eligibility: Must be able to pass the Gaming Commission's background investigation for an Occupational License. This is mandatory for most positions at Foxwoods.

  
  

• No Felony Conviction: Must NOT have been convicted of any offense which would be classified as a felony under Connecticut General Statutes. This is typically an absolute bar to gaming licensure with no time limit.

  
  

• No Crimes Inimical to Gaming: Must NOT have been convicted of any crime deemed inimical to gaming operations, including fraudulent use of ATMs, bad checks, computer crimes, criminal impersonation, or theft-related offenses.

  
  

• Complete Honesty: Must provide full explanation of any conviction (other than minor traffic violations). Falsifying information or omitting material facts is grounds for immediate and permanent denial.

  
  

• Age Requirement: Must be at least 21 years of age for most gaming-related roles; 18 for some non-gaming positions.

  
  

• Drug-Free Status: Must pass pre-employment drug screening and maintain drug-free status throughout employment.

  
  

• Work Authorization: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States and able to provide required I-9 documentation.

Critical Regulatory Information

Employment at Foxwoods Resort Casino is fundamentally governed by the Mashantucket Pequot Gaming Commission (MPTNGC), whose authority is paramount to ensuring the integrity of tribal gaming operations. The Commission has the power to deny, suspend, or revoke employee licenses and to issue fines for non-compliance. Understanding this regulatory framework is essential—tribal gaming regulations create unique requirements that may supersede standard employment law protections.

EEOC Guidelines

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) provides guidance under Title VII recommending employers conduct individualized assessments considering the nature and gravity of the offense, time elapsed since conviction, and nature of the job sought. However, tribal gaming operations operate under unique regulatory frameworks that may supersede standard EEOC guidance. The Gaming Commission's licensing requirements take precedence in determining employment eligibility for positions requiring gaming licenses.

FCRA Requirements

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) establishes procedures for background checks conducted by third-party consumer reporting agencies: written disclosure before conducting a background check; written authorization from the applicant; pre-adverse action notice with a copy of the report if considering rejection; opportunity to dispute inaccuracies; and final adverse action notice with reporting agency information. These protections apply when Foxwoods uses third-party agencies, though the Gaming Commission conducts its own independent investigations.

State-Specific Considerations

Connecticut has strong Fair Chance protections through Public Act 16-83 ("An Act Concerning Fair Chance Employment"), effective January 1, 2017. This ban-the-box law prohibits employers of all sizes from asking about criminal history on initial employment applications. Employers may inquire about criminal history during interviews or after conditional offers. Connecticut law also prohibits consideration of erased records, pardons, or certificates of rehabilitation. While these state protections provide baseline rights, tribal sovereignty and Gaming Commission regulations create additional requirements that supersede standard state employment law protections for gaming-licensed positions.

Gaming Industry-Specific Considerations

Tribal Sovereignty: Foxwoods operates on the Mashantucket Pequot Reservation, sovereign tribal land. The tribe's right to regulate its own gaming operation gives the Gaming Commission final authority on licensing matters, including determining who is deemed qualified and trustworthy to work in gaming operations.

Mandatory License Denial: Tribal and state gaming regulations mandate the denial of an occupational license for anyone convicted of a felony. This represents an absolute legal bar that cannot be overturned by general company hiring policy. Unlike some states that allow felony waivers after specific time periods (typically 5-15 years), Connecticut tribal gaming regulations are particularly strict.

Ongoing Disclosure: Gaming licensure is an ongoing commitment to transparency. Employees are required to disclose any changes in personal circumstances, financial situation, and police contacts even after being hired. Failure to maintain disclosure requirements can result in license revocation.

Company Overview

Foxwoods Resort Casino is the largest resort casino in the Northeast and one of the largest gaming resort destinations in North America. Owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, a federally recognized Indian tribe located at one of the oldest reservations in existence in Southeastern Connecticut, Foxwoods opened on February 15, 1992, after starting as a high-stakes bingo hall in 1986. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribe gained federal recognition and legal control of their reservation by an act of Congress in 1983.

The resort features over 2,228 guest rooms across multiple towers including the Grand Pequot Tower, Fox Tower, Great Cedar Hotel, Two Trees Inn, and The Villas. Gaming operations include seven casinos with approximately 3,500 gaming machines and numerous table games. The property also includes over 175,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, the Tanger Outlets shopping mall, world-renowned spas, award-winning golf at Lake of Isles, and multiple entertainment venues including the Premier Theater and Great Cedar Showroom.

Foxwoods is one of the largest employers in Connecticut with approximately 2,200 employees. Since 1992, the resort has hosted more than 330 million visitors and contributed over $4 billion in slot revenue payments to the State of Connecticut through a first-of-its-kind revenue-sharing agreement. Recent additions include the Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park resort (opened April 2025) and partnerships with DraftKings Sportsbook, Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen restaurant, Hard Rock Cafe, and Guy Fieri's Kitchen + Bar. Foxwoods was named USA Today's 2024 Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas.

Company Fast Facts

• Founded: 1986 (bingo hall); 1992 (full casino)

• Location: Mashantucket, Connecticut (tribal land)

• Employees: Approximately 2,200

• Owner: Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation

• Guest Rooms: 2,228 across multiple hotels

• Gaming Machines: Approximately 3,500

• Recognition: USA Today 2024 Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas

Hiring Policy Analysis

Hiring at Foxwoods involves a standard application and interview process, followed by the mandatory tribal Gaming Commission licensing process. The Gaming Commission's Licensing Division screens all employees and vendors to maintain the integrity of gaming operations and minimize risk to the tribe, employees, patrons, and the public interest. According to multiple employee responses on Indeed, Foxwoods does not hire individuals with felony convictions. This reflects the strict gaming licensing requirements enforced by tribal and state regulations rather than a discretionary company policy.

Position-Specific Barriers

Barrier levels are determined by the necessity of an Occupational Gaming License and the job's proximity to cash handling, sensitive data, and the casino gaming floor.

Available Positions and Pay

Pay data compiled from Glassdoor, Indeed, and employee reports. The average hourly pay at Foxwoods is approximately $18-31/hr depending on position. Actual compensation varies by role, experience, and tips.

Career Path Examples

Due to strict gaming licensing requirements, traditional career advancement paths at Foxwoods present significant challenges for individuals with felony convictions. Most supervisory and management positions require gaming licenses with even more extensive background investigations than entry-level roles.

Potential Path (Non-Gaming Hospitality): For individuals who may qualify for ancillary hotel positions, advancement could potentially include: Guest Room Attendant ($15-18/hr) → Lead Housekeeping ($18-20/hr) → Housekeeping Supervisor ($40K-50K/yr). However, each promotion requires additional background review and potentially higher-level licensing.

Reality Check: The Gaming Commission's regulatory framework means that advancement into any position involving gaming floor access, cash handling, or supervisory authority over gaming operations would require full gaming licensure—effectively closing these paths to individuals with felony convictions.

Background Check Process

Foxwoods conducts comprehensive background checks on all employees through multiple channels. The standard hiring process takes approximately three to four weeks from application to start date, with the background investigation being the most time-consuming component. Background checks are conducted both by Foxwoods HR and by the Gaming Commission's Licensing Division.

What They Check: State and federal criminal history records checks using fingerprint-based identification; employment verification; education verification where applicable; reference checks; credit history review for positions involving financial responsibilities. Security positions require additional physical fitness testing.

Gaming License Investigation: Applicants must provide detailed information about past employment, all criminal history (including arrests without conviction), financial circumstances, connections with legalized gambling entities, and personal relationships that could create conflicts of interest.

Lookback Period: Gaming Commission background checks review complete criminal history without a specific lookback limit. For gaming license purposes, any felony conviction at any time may result in mandatory denial. Connecticut's standard employment background check lookback is typically seven years, but gaming regulations are more comprehensive.

Timeline: The hiring process takes approximately 3-4 weeks. Interview process is typically 1-2 days, but background checks and Gaming Commission licensing add significant time. Prepare financially for this waiting period.

Disqualifying Factors

Automatic Disqualification (Gaming Positions): Any felony conviction under Connecticut General Statutes; crimes deemed inimical to gaming operations including fraud, theft, computer crimes, and financial misconduct; dishonesty or misdemeanor involving moral corruption; supplying false information or omitting material facts.

High Risk (Non-Gaming Positions): Financial crimes (embezzlement, fraud, theft, forgery); violent felonies; drug trafficking or distribution; crimes involving dishonesty or breach of trust; any conviction suggesting lack of trustworthiness.

May Receive Consideration: Some minor misdemeanors (not involving dishonesty) may be considered for truly ancillary positions if significant time has elapsed and strong evidence of rehabilitation is presented. However, even these require Gaming Commission discretion and approval.

Your Rights as Applicant

• Ban-the-Box Protection: Under Connecticut's Fair Chance Employment law, you cannot be asked about criminal history on the initial job application. Inquiries may occur during interviews or after conditional offers.

  
  

• FCRA Protections: You must receive written notice before background checks are conducted. Under FCRA, you must receive a copy of any background report used in adverse decisions and have the opportunity to dispute inaccuracies.

  
  

• Erased Records: Connecticut law prohibits consideration of erased records, pardons, or certificates of rehabilitation.

  
  

• Administrative Hearing: The Gaming Commission provides an Administrative Hearing Process for employees subject to license denial or revocation. You may request a "Show Cause" determination and present testimony, evidence, and witnesses at a hearing before a Commissioner appointed as Hearing Officer.

Application Strategy

1. Know the Mandatory Bars: If you have any prior felony conviction, you must assume you are ineligible for any role requiring a gaming license. Research positions carefully before applying to avoid wasting time on positions that will result in automatic denial.

   
   

2. Target Ancillary Roles Only: Focus exclusively on roles that are clearly ancillary to gaming operations—hotel housekeeping, warehouse, back-of-house kitchen positions, or Tanger Outlets retail that may be exempt from the strictest licensing requirements.

   
   

3. Be Completely Honest: Do not lie or omit any conviction on applications or licensing paperwork. Dishonesty is considered a major integrity failure and grounds for automatic and permanent denial. The background investigation will uncover your history regardless.

   
   

4. Document Your Rehabilitation: If your conviction requires individualized review, prepare comprehensive documentation including program completion certificates, stable employment history, community involvement, and personal references attesting to your character transformation.

   
   

5. Consider Alternative Employers: Given the extremely strict regulatory environment at Foxwoods, individuals with felony convictions may find better opportunities at hospitality employers not subject to gaming regulations.

   
   

6. Apply Online: Submit applications through foxwoods.com/careers. The process includes online application, phone screening, in-person interview, skills assessment (for certain positions), background check, drug test, and Gaming Commission licensing process.

   
   

7. Seek Legal Consultation: If you believe your criminal record may qualify for expungement or sealing under Connecticut law, consult with a criminal defense attorney. Cleaned records may improve your prospects.

   
   

8. Consider Tanger Outlet Retailers: The Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods includes numerous retail stores operated independently from the casino. These retailers may have different hiring standards than direct Foxwoods gaming and hospitality positions.

Tips for Applicants with Records

1. Understand Your Realistic Chances: Be honest with yourself about the extremely limited opportunities at Foxwoods for individuals with felony convictions. The gaming regulatory environment is among the strictest in any industry. Focus your job search energy where you have a realistic chance of success.

   
   

2. Maintain Complete Transparency: If you do apply, never attempt to hide or minimize your criminal history. The Gaming Commission conducts thorough state and federal background checks. Any discovered dishonesty will permanently disqualify you and damage your reputation in the regional hospitality industry.

   
   

3. Build Your Record of Rehabilitation: Continue building a documented track record including stable employment elsewhere, completed rehabilitation programs, community service, educational achievements, and professional certifications. This documentation may eventually support applications if regulations ever become more flexible.

   
   

4. Pass Drug Testing: Foxwoods conducts pre-employment drug testing. Ensure you can pass a drug screen before applying. Marijuana remains federally prohibited regardless of state legalization status.

   
   

5. Be Flexible on Scheduling: Casino operations run 24/7. Willingness to work nights, weekends, and holidays significantly increases your chances if you qualify for any positions.

   
   

6. Emphasize Customer Service: Foxwoods emphasizes hiring customer service-oriented, conscientious individuals. Highlight any hospitality experience and your commitment to creating positive guest experiences.

   
   

7. Illinois Casinos May Offer More Options: As of August 2023, Illinois casinos can hire individuals with felony convictions for non-gaming hospitality positions following Governor Pritzker's signing of Senate Bill 1462. This may provide casino industry opportunities not available in Connecticut.

   
   

8. Focus on Non-Gaming Hospitality: The broader hospitality industry in Connecticut offers many opportunities without gaming license requirements. Building experience at non-gaming hotels and restaurants creates a stronger employment record for future opportunities.

Benefits Overview

Foxwoods offers a competitive benefits package for employees. The overall compensation and benefits package is rated 3.3/5 stars by employees on Glassdoor.

Healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision coverage with a three-tier prescription program. Coverage provided through Pequot Plus.

Retirement: 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions.

Insurance: Disability insurance coverage for short-term and long-term disability situations.

Work-Life Support: Childcare reimbursement program and work/life issues support services.

Education: Tuition reimbursement for continuing education and professional development.

Time Off: Paid personal days and vacation time (union-negotiated for covered positions). Approximately 71% of employees report receiving overtime pay.

Additional Perks: Gym membership reimbursement; free meals during shifts through employee cafeteria; many positions feature 7-hour shifts; employee discounts at resort stores and restaurants; military discounts for eligible veterans.

Employee Perspectives

Pros: Great atmosphere; steady work; great co-workers; good benefits; Employee Appreciation Day; birthday breakfasts; union representation for dealers.

Cons: Salary concerns for some positions; health insurance changes; limited advancement for some roles; demanding work environment during peak times.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Foxwoods hire people with felonies?

   Generally, no. Due to tribal gaming regulations enforced by the Mashantucket Pequot Gaming Commission, individuals with felony convictions face mandatory denial of gaming licenses required for most positions. According to employee responses on Indeed, Foxwoods does not hire felons. Limited opportunities may exist for ancillary non-gaming positions at the Commission's discretion, but these are rare and not guaranteed.

   
   

2. What is the background check process at Foxwoods?

   Foxwoods conducts extensive background checks including state and federal criminal history records checks, fingerprint-based investigations, employment verification, and reference checks. The Gaming Commission's Licensing Division conducts additional investigations for positions requiring gaming licenses. For gaming positions, applicants must disclose all criminal history, financial circumstances, and connections with gambling entities.

   
   

3. How far back does the background check go at Foxwoods—what is the lookback period?

   Gaming Commission background checks typically review complete criminal history without a specific lookback limit. For gaming license purposes, any felony conviction at any time may result in mandatory denial—there is no time limit for felonies. Connecticut's standard employment background check lookback is typically seven years, but gaming regulations are more comprehensive.

   
   

4. What types of convictions make hiring more difficult at Foxwoods?

   Any felony conviction creates a virtually insurmountable barrier for gaming-licensed positions. Crimes particularly problematic include those involving financial misconduct (theft, fraud, embezzlement), dishonesty, gambling-related offenses, computer crimes, and any offense deemed inimical to gaming operations. Even misdemeanors involving dishonesty or moral corruption may disqualify applicants.

   
   

5. What are the best entry-level roles at Foxwoods for applicants with a record?

   For applicants with minor misdemeanor records (not felonies), the best opportunities are ancillary positions distant from gaming operations: hotel housekeeping (Guest Room Attendant, Houseperson) at $15-18/hr, back-of-house kitchen positions at $17-25/hr, warehouse support, or potentially valet parking. For felony convictions, no positions are readily accessible due to licensing requirements. Consider Tanger Outlet retailers which may have different standards.

   
   

6. Does Foxwoods drug test, and what kind of test do they use?

   Yes, Foxwoods conducts pre-employment drug testing as part of the onboarding process before starting work. Security positions may also require physical fitness testing. Maintaining drug-free status is a condition of ongoing employment. Note that marijuana remains federally prohibited regardless of state legalization.

   
   

7. When during the hiring process will Foxwoods ask about criminal history?

   Under Connecticut's ban-the-box law, criminal history questions cannot appear on the initial application. Foxwoods may ask about criminal history during interviews or after making a conditional job offer. The Gaming Commission licensing application requires full disclosure of all criminal history, including arrests that did not result in conviction.

   
   

8. Can someone advance to management at Foxwoods if they have a felony?

   Realistically, no. Management positions require higher-level gaming licenses with even more stringent background requirements. The felony bar that prevents entry-level gaming employment also prevents advancement into supervisory or management roles in gaming operations. Even ancillary department management may require enhanced licensing.

   
   

9. How long does the hiring and background check process take?

   According to employee reports, the hiring process takes approximately three to four weeks from application to start date. The interview process itself is relatively quick (often one to two days), but background checks and Gaming Commission licensing add significant time. Prepare financially for this waiting period as it can delay income.

   
   

10. What can applicants do to improve their chances of getting hired at Foxwoods?

    For applicants with clean records: emphasize customer service experience, maintain open availability (nights, weekends, holidays), and demonstrate enthusiasm for hospitality. For applicants with minor misdemeanor records: target ancillary positions, be completely honest, and document rehabilitation. For applicants with felony convictions: realistically assess whether Foxwoods is the right target and consider alternative employers in non-gaming hospitality where opportunities are more realistic.

Alternative Second Chance Employers

Given the extremely restrictive gaming licensing requirements at Foxwoods, individuals with felony convictions should strongly consider alternative employers not subject to gaming regulations:

Conclusion

Foxwoods Resort Casino presents one of the most challenging employment environments for individuals with felony convictions due to the mandatory gaming license requirements enforced by the Mashantucket Pequot Gaming Commission. The regulatory framework exists to protect the integrity of gaming operations and tribal assets, and these requirements represent legal mandates rather than discretionary company policies.

For individuals with felony convictions seeking employment in hospitality and entertainment, focusing job search efforts on employers outside tribal gaming operations will likely yield better results. Building a strong rehabilitation record through stable employment elsewhere, completing educational or vocational programs, and maintaining a clean record over time may eventually open doors that are currently closed.

Key Success Factors: Complete honesty throughout the process; targeting truly ancillary non-gaming positions only; comprehensive rehabilitation documentation; considering alternative employers; consulting with legal counsel about record expungement.

Biggest Barriers: Any felony conviction (mandatory denial for gaming licenses); no lookback period limitation; crimes involving dishonesty or financial misconduct; tribal regulatory authority that supersedes standard employment law protections; limited appeal options.

For those with minor misdemeanor records that do not involve dishonesty or crimes inimical to gaming, limited opportunities may exist in ancillary positions. Complete honesty, documented rehabilitation, and targeting appropriate non-gaming positions provide the best strategy. For those with felony convictions, the Connecticut hospitality industry outside tribal gaming offers more realistic paths to stable employment.

Disclaimer

This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Hiring policies, gaming regulations, and licensing requirements are subject to change. The information presented is based on publicly available sources and may not reflect the most current policies. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with Foxwoods Resort Casino and the Mashantucket Pequot Gaming Commission.

Individual circumstances vary, and applicants are encouraged to consult with legal counsel regarding their specific situations, including questions about expungement, sealing of records, or certificates of rehabilitation. Neither the author nor publisher assumes responsibility for decisions made based on this information.

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