Luxury, Legacy, Mohegan Sun
Jeff Hamilton shares the vision behind Mohegan Sun’s evolution and its commitment to unforgettable experiences
By Lisa Robertson-Dziedzic
For three decades, Mohegan Sun has been a leader in the gaming industry, setting the standard for world-class entertainment, luxury accommodations and incredible guest experiences. As the resort approaches its 30th anniversary in 2026, it continues to innovate while honoring the rich heritage of the Mohegan Tribe. Under the leadership of President and General Manager Jeff Hamilton, Mohegan Sun has unveiled significant enhancements this year, including a multimillion-dollar renovation of its Royal Suites, the addition of four new restaurants—The Farm Italy, Beauty & Essex, The Shed and SIFT Bake Shop & A.T.Y Bar & Bonbons—and major upgrades to its VIP lounges, including the exclusive Thirty-Three Lounge on the 33rd floor.
Mohegan Sun’s upgrades take its world-class casinos to the next level. Across Casino of the Earth and Casino of the Sky—spanning more than 260,000 square feet—guests can enjoy nearly 4,000 slots, almost 300 table games, and a 32-table poker room. Thoughtful layouts make it easy to find favorites or try something new, while high-limit areas and VIP lounges offer personalized luxury. The all-new Sky Slot Tournament Zone, the resort’s first, features IGT hits like Wheel of Fortune, Hex Breaker, Cleopatra and Stinkin’ Rich, effortlessly switching between tournament and regular play to keep the energy electric. Add world-class dining, shopping and nonstop entertainment, and Mohegan Sun proves why it’s a must-visit for casual gamers and high-stakes players alike.
In this exclusive Q&A, Hamilton discusses the resort’s dedication to authenticity, VIP offerings and upcoming hotel and arena renovations—showing why Mohegan Sun remains a top destination for both leisure travelers and gaming enthusiasts.
CP: Next year marks 30 years for Mohegan Sun. What does this milestone mean to you and the team and what can guests expect from this special year?
JH: We’re incredibly excited to celebrate 30 tremendous years. So much has happened over the past three decades, and we’re looking forward to honoring the journey with our team members and our guests. We’re already planning a big birthday celebration and can’t wait to surprise everyone with what’s to come.
Mohegan Sun is always evolving—what initiatives are you most excited about to further elevate the guest experience?
We’re really focused on revitalizing and reimagining key areas of the property. One of our biggest initiatives is the full renovation of Earth Tower, where we’re creating a more unique and elevated hotel experience for our guests. That remodel is planned for 2026. We’re also undertaking a major expansion of our arena over the next several years, completely rethinking the concourse experience and enhancing our food and beverage offerings. Our goal is to modernize these spaces and set the property up for the next 25 years, delivering a guest experience that feels fresh, exciting and forward looking.
Mohegan Sun has made major investments in VIP amenities. Can you share some of the newest offerings and how they elevate the guest experience?
Mohegan Sun has significantly elevated its luxury offerings with a multimillion-dollar renovation of its two 3,500-square-foot Royal Suites in Sky Tower, the resort’s most exclusive accommodations. Previously identical, the suites have been transformed into two completely distinct experiences: “Playing with Fire” and “The Sky is the Limit.” Each suite now features two master bedrooms, two Jacuzzis, a circular living room, butler service and sweeping panoramic views of the Thames River, creating truly unique VIP experiences for guests.
The property’s commitment to luxury extends beyond the suites. Mohegan Sun has continued to invest heavily in its VIP lounges, seeing them as a key competitive advantage. While some properties scaled back post-COVID, we have doubled down—opening an all-new Earth VIP Lounge, upgrading the Sachem Lounge in Sky Casino, and completing major renovations to the exclusive Thirty-Three Lounge on the 33rd floor. Select Momentum cardholders can now enjoy gourmet dining, private blackjack tables and a complimentary bar, further enhancing the resort’s world-class VIP offerings.
Our goal is for every VIP guest to feel valued the moment they walk through our doors. If a player has earned those benefits through loyalty, then the experience should reflect that. From beautiful spaces to elevated service, we want our VIP amenities to match the world-class experience we deliver across the rest of the resort.
From tribal culture and natural elements to Chihuly’s River Blue, Wombi Rock, Taughannick Falls and more—how do these features come together to make the resort truly stand out?
The biggest trend in hospitality right now is authenticity—you hear it everywhere. At Mohegan Sun, we’ve been authentic before authentic was cool. Every aspect of our property, from the rock wall designs to the artwork and natural elements, reflects the heritage of the Mohegan Tribe and carries a meaningful story.
When guests visit, it’s more than just a resort—it’s a journey. We’re enhancing that experience with initiatives like QR codes that allow guests to learn the significance of different design elements at their own pace. Tribal elders have been involved in creating these explanations, adding an extra layer of depth to the experience.
Our commitment to authenticity extends beyond the design. It’s embedded in our service model and the overall guest experience, making every visit truly representative of the Mohegan Tribe’s culture and legacy.
Mohegan Sun is known for consistently booking A-list entertainment. How important is entertainment to the overall success of the property?
Entertainment is a critical part of our business and one of our biggest drivers. When I think about what fuels Mohegan Sun, entertainment is at the top of the list, followed closely by meetings, conventions and expos, and then food and beverage, which we’ve worked hard to elevate as well.
Our arena is truly world-class. It’s one of the few places where you can see artists like Eric Clapton or Sting in an intimate 7,500-seat setting. That kind of close-up experience is rare, especially when many of these performers are playing in massive arenas or stadiums. It creates something special here—you’re not just attending a concert, you’re having a personal, unforgettable experience.
Entertainment is a core part of who we are, and it’s something we’ve been recognized and awarded for year after year. With our upcoming arena renovation, we’re taking that experience even further. We’re not just focused on continuing to bring in A-list talent—we’re committed to delivering a truly state-of-the-art, world-class entertainment environment from the moment guests walk in the door.
A few upcoming standout acts include Chris Stapleton (Feb. 27 & 28), Boy George & Culture Club (March 1), Rod Stewart (March 13), Paul Anka (April 17), and Meghan Trainor (April 24).
How does Mohegan Sun coordinate its many departments to deliver seamless, world-class service?
We’re incredibly fortunate to have a truly exceptional team, many of whom have been with us for years. This is home for them, and they genuinely care about our guests, the property, and the success of the organization. When you have people who are that invested, delivering great service becomes much more natural.
From day one, we’ve focused on creating a world-class experience not just for our guests, but for our team members as well. One of our core values is developing passionate and dedicated employees, and that starts with creating an environment where people truly enjoy what they do. When you love your job, you naturally take pride in it—and that passion translates directly into the guest experience.
We’re also deeply committed to hiring a diverse workforce and empowering our team members to be themselves. We don’t believe in scripting service. Instead of telling people exactly what to say, we focus on how to connect. That approach creates authenticity. Every guest interaction is different, depending on who is delivering the service—whether it’s someone just starting out, a retiree or a first-generation American—and that’s what makes the experience feel warm and personal.
We want guests to feel like they’re walking into someone’s home, not interacting with a script. That sense of genuine hospitality is something we’ve believed in since our inception, and it continues to be the foundation of how we operate today.
How does Mohegan Sun appeal to both leisure travelers and casino players, including first-time visitors?
Both groups want the same things—great service, excellent dining, quality hotel rooms and a memorable experience. Our gaming guests also expect a strong casino product, and that’s where we really shine with a top-tier casino floor and exceptional service. When we deliver at a high level across entertainment, dining and hospitality, everyone benefits. A great leisure experience attracts gamers, and a great gaming experience brings in leisure travelers. It all comes together seamlessly.
Mohegan Sun was named the #1 Casino for Slots in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Poll. What sets your slot offerings apart from the competition?
At the end of the day, most casinos have access to the same slot machines—no manufacturer produces games for only one property. What really sets us apart is how we’ve reimagined the layout of our casino floor to create a better experience for our guests.
Instead of scattering popular games throughout the floor, we group similar game styles together in dedicated zones, regardless of manufacturer. If you love Dragon Link, you’ll find Huff n’ Puff and other similar titles right next to it. That way, if your favorite machine is taken, there’s another great option just steps away.
The result is less searching, more playing, and a more enjoyable experience—guests spend time on their favorite games and discover new ones, a key reason they keep returning.
Speaking of awards, Mohegan Sun shines bright in our annual Best of Gaming readers’ poll. What do these wins say about the guest experience you deliver?
We’re extremely proud of that recognition because it comes directly from our guests. It speaks to the loyalty we’ve built and the experiences people continue to enjoy when they visit us.
At the same time, we don’t see awards as a finish line. One of our core values is continuous improvement, which we define as being better today than we were yesterday. From our frontline team members to our leadership, everyone is focused on finding real, meaningful ways to improve the guest experience.
Consistency is essential in hospitality. Guests want to know what to expect each time they visit, and our goal is not just to meet those expectations but to exceed them. We’re constantly seeking new ways to elevate our gaming, entertainment, hotel and dining experiences, continually raising the bar.
Mohegan Sun has created countless life-changing jackpot winners. How do these moments reflect the property’s reputation as a place where big wins happen?
Everyone comes to a casino hoping to win—and when guests see others winning, it builds excitement and confidence. In the past, you could hear jackpots across the floor. Today, with modern technology, those moments aren’t always as visible.
That’s why we focus on celebrating wins and sharing those stories with our guests. Whether it’s a major jackpot or a milestone moment, we want people to see and feel that winning is happening here every day. It reinforces that Mohegan Sun is a place where anything can happen—and that they could be next.
Now in its ninth season, Back of the House gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at Mohegan Sun. How has the series been received, and why is producing it in-house so important?
Season nine of Back of the House continues to give guests an insider’s look at the excitement behind Mohegan Sun. From slot tournaments to new restaurant openings, the series highlights the passion, personalities and hard work that make the resort tick. Produced in-house, it allows us to tell authentic stories straight from our team—showing both the thrills and the challenges of working in hospitality. Fans have loved it from the start, and this season promises even more must-see moments, including the launch of Beauty & Essex and a closer look at world-class slot tourism.
Looking back on your time as president and general manager, what accomplishment are you most proud of, and what excites you most about shaping Mohegan Sun’s future for the next generation of guests?
I started this role just six or seven weeks before we closed for COVID, so navigating that period was incredibly challenging. I’m most proud of how we came through it stronger, more efficient and more effective. Our continuous improvement strategies have empowered team members to share ideas, and we’ve rewarded them with more than $20,000 this year alone for suggestions that have made a real impact—sometimes as much as $5,000 for a single great idea. We encourage our team to innovate and listen to our guests, and that mindset has transformed our business.
Our property has grown and diversified in exciting ways. This year, we’re approaching 100,000 group room nights, establishing ourselves as a major player in the Northeast for meetings and conventions. Our Expo business is booming, with over 38 events scheduled, along with numerous consumer experiences that draw people here for a variety of reasons.
Looking ahead, I’m thrilled about the renovation of the Earth Tower, updates to the arena, and seeing the new ideas our team will bring to life. It’s an exciting time to shape the future of Mohegan Sun for the next generation of guests.
Finally, if you were planning the ultimate weekend getaway at Mohegan Sun, what would it include?
I’d definitely plan it around an arena show, preferably an A-list entertainer. Arriving on a Friday, I’d start with dinner at one of our world-class restaurants—maybe Tao or Michael Jordan’s Steak House. On Saturday morning, especially in the winter, I might catch some college basketball at what I believe is the best sportsbook in the Northeast, perhaps grabbing lunch there while watching the games.
From there, I’d enjoy some slots and table games before heading to another incredible dinner—maybe Beauty & Essex or another gourmet option—followed by the arena show. Afterward, I’d explore our diverse nightlife, from our country bar with live music and a mechanical bull to the lounge beneath the world’s largest indoor planetarium, complete with a DJ. Late-night dining at Johnny Rockets or one of our pizza spots would cap the evening.
Sunday morning would start with one of our renowned brunches—The Shed, Beauty & Essex or Michael Jordan’s are all fantastic options—before heading home. It’s the perfect mix of dining, entertainment, gaming and relaxation, all in one weekend.
