Star-Studded Line-Up Celebrates Casino Opening

Celebrities were out in force to mark the opening of one of North America's largest casino resorts this weekend.

Sean "P Diddy" Combs and Alicia Keys were among the celebrities present as the MGM Grand casino complex at Foxwoods, Connecticut, opened to the public on Saturday night.

The resort, which is reminiscent of the company's Las Vegas facilities, will provide a variety of casino games for visitors - including poker, roulette, slot machines and blackjack.

During the opening-night celebrations, Combs hosted the "ultra-exclusive" Diddy's Den party, which went on into the early hours.

Meanwhile, Keys joined fellow entertainers Josh Groban and John Mayer on the red carpet, as the glamour of Vegas came to a different part of the US.

"We are thrilled to have commemorated the highly-anticipated opening of MGM Grand at Foxwoods with special guests of the casino, including close friends, family and renowned celebrities," said Gillian Murphy, senior vice president and General Manager of MGM Grand at Foxwoods.

He added that New England has been "catapulted" to new heights following the arrival of MGM Grand in the region.

MGM also has a presence in the Far East. MGM Macau has helped contribute to the former Portuguese colony's emergence as one of the world's most-popular gambling destinations.