Mashantucket-AP, Apr. 25, 2006 8:48 AM) _ Foxwoods Resort casino has made a business move in a new partnership with MGM Mirage.

Las Vegas-based MGM Mirage will open a hotel and casino alongside Foxwoods, an unusual partnership that will bring one of the world's largest gaming corporations onto an Indian reservation that's already home to one of the world's most successful casinos.

The deal, announced this morning, is part of a $700 million Foxwoods expansion that's already under way. The new hotel will be called the MGM Grand but will be operated by Foxwoods employees.

The agreement gives Foxwoods an experienced partner as it tries to expand its convention and entertainment business and attract more minorities.

Foxwoods will have access to MGM's database of more than 22 million customers and will use MGM's partnerships with other companies to help attract new restaurants and top-tier entertainers to eastern Connecticut.