Mohegan Sports & Entertainment President Tom Cantone Announces Retirement

After more than 40 years in casino entertainment and nearly 20 years as the face of Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, Mohegan Sports & Entertainment President Tom Cantone has announced he is transitioning to retirement.

“I’ve decided to book myself on the next flight to tomorrow. But before I pack my bags, I wanted to say the two most important words that I was taught growing up – THANK YOU,” Cantone said in an email. “Anyone getting this email has helped me in many ways throughout my career. All the awards, recognition and making memories were always due to literally thousands of people along the way who came into my life for a reason. I now know why. Some of you are in my FFL Club. This kid from Harrisburg, Pa. experienced more pinch me moments in one lifetime than I could have ever imagined.”

Last week, emails to Cantone said he was no longer with the company, directing inquires to chief marketing officer David Martinelli.

Cantone, a well-known figure in the worlds of entertainment, casinos and hospitality, has been known as a forward-thinking innovator back to his Atlantic City days in the 1980s, credited with helping to alleviate the stigma of top talent playing casino showrooms.

“I was an army of one in the ‘80s,” Cantone said in a recent Pollstar article. “Back in the days when a contemporary artist wouldn’t even think of playing a casino showroom. Eddie Murphy was the hottest attraction in the world, on the cover of magazines, ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ and all that. I spent a while recruiting him or becoming friends with him when he was deciding to go on tour, and he decided to play my venue, the Sands Copa Room, which was a small venue. It broke the mold.”

Cantone was recently profiled in Pollstar with a lifetime achievement Hall of Honor article touching on his history in the industry as well as the upcoming months. It would appear he’s left Mohegan’s events calendar, which along with the 10,000-capacity Uncasville Arena includes the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino in Ontario, in a good place.

“We have never been this busy, this far out, than we are now,” Cantone said. “There’s so much traffic on my venue calendar for next year that we’re two, three, sometimes four deep on holds. We’re sitting in the right spot right now, and honestly I probably have 92 deals right now, offers out there in play.”

HIs parting email continues, “All a credit to my talented and loyal team of men and women who run our venues. When you Put People First great things happen. So when tomorrow starts without me, please know that because of you, my co-pilot, these last 4 decades was Time Well Traveled. Stay Healthy and always remember There’s Always A Way…. Tom Cantone.”