As I write this article it’s the new year, a fresh start… 2022. Each year when the calendar flips it seems the entire world is either obsessed with recapping the year behind us or predicting what’s potentially ahead for the future. Me included! We tune into social media to read the predictions and remember the highlights of the year, but that “new year” feeling of reflection tends to fade almost as quickly as resolutions do. By the end of Q1 we’ve likely moved on from celebrating the accomplishments of 2021. I’m here to remind you of a few from tribal gaming that deserve another look.
There were several notable headlines and business moves made by tribes in 2021, that pushed well beyond the usual boundaries of traditional tribal gaming facilities built on tribal lands. Several trailblazing tribes made headlines for pushing the boundary into (drumroll please) LAS VEGAS! Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment broke barriers by operating the casino at the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, while San Manuel made history in 2021 and became the first Native American tribe to own and operate a casino-resort in Las Vegas with their purchase of the Palms Casino Resort. Joining the party, the Seminole Tribe of Florida and their Hard Rock International brand announced that it was acquiring the Mirage with plans to build its iconic guitar-shaped hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. Savvy and experienced tribal operators are starting to turn the tables on the industry, leaving us wondering what the next headline will be, and who will make the next big move in this space.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE BY SHANNON BOUSCHOR IN THE 2022 SPRING EDITION OF GAMING & LEISURE MAGAZINE.