Foxwoods Resort Casino CEO Felix Rappaport dies suddenly

Rappaport was reportedly found on Monday morning in his suite at Foxwoods, a hotel and casino complex owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation on their reservation in Ledyard, Connecticut. The complex includes six casinos. Rappaport also had a home in Las Vegas.

Although the cause of death has not been determined, Mashantucket Pequot tribal police said the death was not suspicious and no autopsy was expected, said Lori Potter, a spokeswoman for the tribe.

“With his passing, we have suffered a major loss. Felix’s passion for modernising and growing Foxwoods, as well as his friendship, mentorship and humour touched everyone who worked with him,” said Rodney Butler, chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.

Rappaport joined Foxwoods in February 2014 and had decades of experience in the gambling sector. He managed hotels in Philadelphia and was an executive with the Hershey Entertainment and Resort Co before moving to Las Vegas in 1991. He also worked for Station Casinos and previously served as President/COO of Mirage, NYNY, Luxor and Excalibur, while working for MGM Resorts International.

“We are saddened by the news of the passing of our former colleague and friend, Felix Rappaport,” MGM Chairman and CEO Jim Murren said in a statement.

“Felix was a member of the MGM Resorts family for more than two decades and is remembered fondly by many,” he said. “Our condolences and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time.”

The Tribal Council will consider how to best resume Rappaport’s strategic plan for growth in the days ahead with a continued focused on the property’s long-term vision. Rappaport was responsible for bringing new initiatives into Foxwoods Resort Casino, which employes more than 6,500 workers.

Foxwoods Resort Casino in the northeast is the largest resort casino in North America.

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Caroline Byrne

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Caroline Byrne is a London-based journalist and writer with experience in editing, online research, content strategy and financial reporting. She has contributed editorial content and industry insight that supports professional audiences in understanding key developments across the gambling, gaming and iGaming sectors.
Her work spans news analysis, feature writing and strategic content development, reflecting strong skills in storytelling, and subject-matter awareness.

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