Published on: February 23, 2026, 08:51h.
Updated on: February 23, 2026, 08:51h.
- A major winter storm is wreaking havoc across the Northeast
- Multiple casinos have temporarily closed in Rhode Island and New Hampshire
- Casinos in New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Maine are currently operational
Severe blizzard warnings and heavy snowfall across the Northeast are leading to significant disruptions for some casinos.
In Rhode Island, Governor Dan McKee (D) has declared a State of Emergency, resulting in the closure of the state’s two commercial casinos. Bally’s Lincoln and Bally’s Tiverton ceased operations at 6 PM on Sunday.
“We will provide updates as soon as we can confirm a reopening,” Bally’s stated via its social media channels. “Please take care, stay safe, and remain indoors. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.”
Governor McKee’s declaration will stay in effect “until the threat or danger has subsided or the emergency conditions are no longer present.”
The National Weather Service has put a blizzard warning in place for Rhode Island until Tuesday, February 24, at 7 AM.
Mohegan Sun Experiences Operational Disruptions
In nearby Connecticut, Mohegan Sun has informed guests that operations at the resort are significantly affected by the blizzard. Winter Storm Hernando has led to the temporary closure of various dining options within the tribal casino located in Uncasville.
Mohegan Sun reports that Bean and Vine, Beauty & Essex, Bow & Arrow, Jersey Mike’s, MJ23 Sports Bar & Grill, Sol Toro, and Todd English’s Tuscany are closed as of February 23. TAO will close its doors at 6:30 PM, and there will be no food or drink service at the FanDuel Sportsbook. The Mohegan Sun Poker Room is also closed, along with certain retail stores.
Foxwoods, Connecticut’s other tribal casino, has not yet issued any public statements regarding closures.
Connecticut, similar to Rhode Island, is under a State of Emergency until Monday. However, due to the sovereign status of Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods, these establishments are not required to adhere to state mandates.
Tensions arose during the COVID-19 pandemic between the tribes and then-Governor Ned Lamont (D) when Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods reopened on June 1, 2020. Lamont responded by directing the Connecticut Department of Transportation to place highway warning signs near tribal casinos reading:
“DON’T GAMBLE W/COVID. AVOID LARGE INDOOR GATHERINGS.”
Eventually, the Connecticut casinos resumed operations after Lamont lifted the stay-at-home order while maintaining public gathering restrictions.
Current Status of New England Casinos
In Massachusetts, where the storm’s effects are particularly severe, the three casinos remain operational. Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park continue to accept bets. Casinos in New York, including racinos in New York City, are also functional, with Jake’s 58 on Long Island remaining open.
In New Hampshire, several casinos have reported operational disruptions due to the weather.
The Brook in Seabrook has announced its closure on Monday, February 23. Gate City Casino in Nashua will open at 3 PM, while Revo Casinos in Dover, Manchester, and Keene will open at 11 AM. Revo locations in Lebanon and Conway are maintaining regular business hours.
In Maine, both Hollywood Casino Bangor and Oxford Casino are operating under normal conditions.