Tribal Government Gaming 2017

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CONTENTS

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32 Face Value

PUBLICATION

2017 • 14th annual edition

COLUMNS NIGC

Raising the Pillars

BY JONODEV CHAUDHURI

NIGA

No successful industry is better than the people who operate it, and the Native American gaming industry is a prime example. The quality of tribal gaming is on display in profiles of 10 dedicated operators, regulators and council members.

Test of Time

FEATURES

Dear Mr. Fantasy

BY ROGER GROS, MARJORIE PRESTON AND AARON STANLEY

BY ERNEST STEVENS, JR.

PROCUREMENT Better Buying

BY WILLIAM LANGMADE

OPERATIONS

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BY KEVIN BROWN

14 Five That Shine

Pechanga, FireKeepers, Harrah’s Cherokee, Twin Arrows and WinStar World are five examples of why tribal gaming thrives. BY DAVE BONTEMPO

22 Where It All Began

An infamous card-club raid and the court case that resulted from it in California v. Cabazon Band of Mission Indians led to the birth of Indian gaming. BY DAVE PALERMO

28 Gaming Experts

While early tribal gaming operations relied on commercial industry experts, successful tribal casino operators are now the ones spreading their counsel. BY AARON STANLEY

40 Trump and the Tribes

Three views from the tribal gaming industry on the hopes and expectations arriving with Donald J. Trump’s presidency.

BY MICHAEL J. ANDERSON, JUDITH A. SHAPIRO AND JOHN TAHSUDA

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DEPARTMENTS

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

TRIBAL GOVERNMENT GAMING 2016 DIRECTORY

CORPORATE PROFILES

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Agilysys

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Ainsworth Game Technology

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AGS

Cuningham Group Architecture Everi

Friedmutter Group GameCo

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Gaming Laboratories International

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HBG Design

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Gaming Partners International

International Game Technology The Innovation Group Novomatic Americas Patir Casino Seating

Purchasing Management International Rymax Marketing Services Scientific Games Subway

TBE Architects

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

2017

MATERNAL INSTINCTS

Roger Gros, Publisher rgros@ggbmagazine.com

Frank Legato, Editor

Equality in tribal gaming

BY ROGER GROS

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ne of the things I always admired about tribal government gaming is how it has changed the lives of thousands of people. From a time when many Native Americans were consigned to lives of poverty and depravation to the endless possibilities today, tribal gaming has been an opportunity for tribal members and non-native people from the surrounding communities.

When we decided to find some of the people whose lives were altered inexorably by tribal gaming, we went into it with no preconceived notions about who we should recognize. We consulted our advisory board and other members of the tribal gaming community for suggestions, and we were inundated.

As if to confirm my statement above, there clearly are thousands (maybe hundreds of thousands) of people who can credit tribal gaming for not only a career, but such a dynamic change in their family circumstances that now their sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles have all benefited.

Whether that is because of per-capita payments, improved tribal services via gaming revenue, or opportunities for educational experiences previously beyond their reach, I believe that the realization there is more out there than a just struggle to survive was crucial to the success of Indian gaming.

What we didn’t predict, however, is how many of the nominees would be women. We should have realized that would happen, given the vast number of women who have played crucial roles in the development of tribal government and tribal gaming.

In this issue of Tribal Government Gaming, we have a shining example in Brenda Soulliere, who helped to lead the Cabazon tribe when its bingo halls were shut down by county authorities, and then to develop the casinos that have become the tribal economic lifeblood.

And you could go all the way back to the mid-1950s, when five women were elected to the tribal council for the Agua Caliente tribe and the role they played in the development of the Spa Hotel, later a tribal casino. The same could be said about Marge Anderson, who served 13 years as head of the Mille Lacs Tribe of Ojibwe, and developed some of the quality tribal casinos in Minnesota. And not 6 T R I BA L G OV E R N M E N T G A M I N G 2 0 1 7

flegato@ggbmagazine.com

Robert Rossiello, Art Director rross@casinoconnection.com

to mention Sandra (Ninham) Brehmer and Alma Webster, the “mothers” of Oneida bingo in Wisconsin, the precursor of the casino empire the tribe has in place today.

Former Nottawaseppi Huron Band chairwoman Laura Spurr dedicated her life to developing gaming to benefit her tribe, and the casino we honor in this year’s TGG, Firekeepers, is the result.

Other women were trailblazers in California, including Anna Prieto Sandoval of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, and Lynn Valbuena of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. And you can’t discount the role Gay Kingman, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux in South Dakota, and her husband Tim Wapato played in overseeing the federal role in tribal government gaming, or Sheila Morago becoming a powerful advocate for tribal gaming enterprises in Arizona and now in Oklahoma.

I’ll stop there because I know I’ve already missed some important women who played major roles in tribal gaming, but the point remains. Women were much more crucial to the development of Indian gaming than they were in the growth of their cousins on the commercial side.

So, we should have realized that today’s tribal gaming industry has many more important women members than the commercial industry. At GGB, we’ve tried to point out the disparity of males to females at the top levels of the industry, but we don’t have similar concerns about tribal gaming. Yes, there were and still are challenges for women to overcome in tribal gaming, but the history of recent Native American government shows that there is a much greater acceptance of leadership by women than there apparently is on the commercial side of gaming.

So chalk up yet another aspect of tribal government gaming that puts it at least equal to if not greater than commercial gaming in the U.S. The list is getting longer each year: physical size of the largest tribal casinos; tribal gross gaming revenue that now surpasses commercial gaming; real benefits to the tribal “shareholders;” a regulatory scheme that guarantees integrity.

But the fact that women are equals in tribal gaming could be right at the top of that list.

John Buyachek, Director of Sales & Marketing jbchek@ggbmagazine.com

Floyd Sembler, Business Development Manager fsembler@ggbmagazine.com

Becky Kingman-Gros, Chief Operating Officer bkingros@ggbmagazine.com

COLUMNISTS Kevin Brown, Jonodev Chaudhuri William Langmade, Ernest Stevens, Jr.

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Michael J. Anderson, Dave Bontempo, Dave Palermo, Marjorie Preston, Judith A. Shapiro, Aaron Stanley, John Tahsuda

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Rino Armeni, President, Armeni Enterprises • Mark A. Birtha, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Hard Rock International • Julie Brinkerhoff-Jacobs, President, Lifescapes International • Nicholas Casiello Jr., Shareholder, Fox Rothschild • Jeffrey Compton, Publisher, CDC E-Reports • Geoff Freeman, President & CEO, American Gaming Association • Dean Macomber, President, Macomber International, Inc. • Stephen Martino, Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer, MGM Resorts International • Jim Rafferty, President, Rafferty & Associates • Thomas Reilly, Vice President, Systems Sales, Scientific Games • Steven M. Rittvo, Steve Rittvo, Chairman Emeritus, The Innovation Group • Katherine Spilde, Executive Director, Sycuan Gaming Institute, San Diego State University • Ernie Stevens, Jr., Chairman, National Indian Gaming Association • Roy Student, President, Applied Management Strategies • David D. Waddell, Partner Regulatory Management Counselors PC

The views and opinions expressed by the writers and columnists of TRIBAL GOVERNMENT GAMING are not necessarily the views of the publisher or editor.

Copyright 2017 Casino Connection International LLC. Henderson, NV 89014 TRIBAL GOVERNMENT GAMING is a special supplement published by Casino Connection International LLC. Printed in Nevada, USA. Casino Connection International LLC. 901 American Pacific Drive, Suite 180 Henderson, NV 89014 702-248-1565 • 702-248-1567 (fax) www.ggbmagazine.com

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NIGC

RAISING THE PILLARS

The NIGC’s strong foundations help ensure a strong regulatory structure for Indian gaming in 2017 and beyond BY JONODEV OSCEOLA CHAUDHURI

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his annual Tribal Government Gaming edition presents a chance to reflect on successes and challenges faced in the last year and stake out new opportunities for success in the coming year.

Looking ahead, the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) is well poised in 2017 to build upon past achievements and further advance its mission of serving Indian Country and the general public.

The reasons for the particularly strong posture of NIGC are manifold, but four key pillars come to mind: 1. the non-partisan nature of our statutory mission—one that is an outgrowth of larger federal Indian policy principles of self-sufficiency and self-determination; 2. our strong relationships with our regulatory partners, chief among them tribal nations— the primary regulators of Indian gaming; 3. consistency in our personnel from the top down; and, 4. the thoughtfully tailored priorities of the agency.

1. Our Mission

The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act was passed with bipartisan support in October 1988 and established the NIGC as the agency to provide federal regulatory oversight of the tribal gaming industry. The NIGC’s primary mission is to promote tribal economic development, self-sufficiency and strong tribal governments, maintain the integrity of the Indian gaming industry, and ensure that tribes are the primary beneficiaries of their gaming activities. To fulfill its mission, the NIGC works within the framework created by IGRA.

2. Our Partners

Although IGRA established the NIGC to serve as the federal regulator of tribal gaming, the act also reaffirmed the role of tribes themselves as the primary regulators of their gaming. The NIGC works with thousands of regulators across Indian Country to ensure not only the integrity of tribal gaming, but also that tribes are the beneficiaries of their gaming.

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The Indian gaming industry has grown tremendously since its early days before the passage of IGRA. Much of that growth can be credited to the professional, strong and skilled tribal regulatory bodies that have developed with the industry. We recognize and rely on their expertise. I am thankful for the significant goodwill that exists between us.

3. Our People

As the NIGC was created from a statute that benefited from bipartisan support, it is no accident that we are a bipartisan agency, in which only two of the three commissioners may be from the same political party.

Further, due to the unique structure of the commission, there is no turnover in its leadership when an administration changes.

The chairman, a Senate-confirmed appointee, and the commissioners are all appointed to serve three-year terms. Further, even when the commission itself changes, the NIGC staff remains. The NIGC’s organizational structure is composed of two main branches—the Office of General Counsel, which handles legal affairs; and the Office of the Chief of Staff, which manages day-to-day activities. The exemplary team within the NIGC continues to perform the critical day-to-day tasks necessary to support the sensible regulation of the industry.

4. Our Priorities

In addition to personnel, the agency’s priorities and initiatives, rooted in the mandates of IGRA, are well-equipped to help the agency continue to sensibly regulate by striking the important balance between robust safeguards and authorizing lawful entrepreneurial activity.

For example, the agency has recently made significant headway with a categorical exclusion for management contracts that do not include construction. Further, the agency is embarking on a robust consultation series to receive input from tribal leadership on numerous important topics, including Class III minimum internal controls draft guidance.

Recognizing the conflict between the industry’s need for updated standards and the limits of its authority, the NIGC drafted

non-binding, voluntary guidance for which it is currently seeking feedback. We are also discussing the pending sunset provision that will require grandfathered Class II gaming systems to be tested to a larger array of standards than they must currently meet.

Finally, the agency’s day-to-day functions and administrative planning are governed by our tent pole initiatives: 1. Develop effective rural outreach to smaller gaming establishments in rural areas; 2. Stay ahead of the technology curve; 3. Support a strong workforce both within NIGC and among regulatory partners; and, 4. Protect against anything that amounts to gamesmanship on the backs of tribes.

Examples of how these initiatives have helped inform agency actions include the creation of the Technology Division and its Information Technology Vulnerability Assessments, the possible creation of an eighth regional office in Rapid City, South Dakota, targeted compliance activity to address third-party threats, the creation of gamesmanship trainings, support of key personnel functions, and other efforts.

As the old truism goes, strong structures are built on strong foundations. Because of the sturdy nature of its mission, partners, people and priorities, the NIGC is confident about its continued ability to support the strong regulatory structure of Indian gaming.

It is that strong structure that has led to sensible regulation that ensures the integrity of the industry while allowing the entrepreneurial spirit of tribes to flourish.

Without a doubt, our mission is ongoing, and does not allow us to stop innovating and developing with the industry, but we at the NIGC are solemnly committed to doing whatever we can to preserve the integrity of an industry that has been vital to the communities it touches. We look forward to another year of unbridled success with our partners.

Jonodev Osceola Chaudhuri is chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission.

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TEST OF TIME

The opportunities and challenges of transition

BY ERNEST STEVENS, JR., CHAIRMAN, NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING ASSOCIATION

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n January 20, 2017, our nation turned a page from the historic presidency of Barack Obama and began the transition to the administration of President Donald J. Trump.

President Trump spent much of his first month in office putting his team together.

Many in Indian Country lauded the president’s nomination of Rep. Ryan Zinke (RMontana) to serve as secretary of the interior.

While he served only one term in Congress, Zinke established a proven record of working closely with tribes in the state of Montana on critical issues relating to law enforcement, water rights and water infrastructure, Indian housing, and tribal labor sovereignty. NIGA looks forward to working with Secretary Zinke on issues relating to Indian gaming and reservation economic development as he builds his team at the Interior Department.

Many in Indian Country also look with cautious optimism on the president’s nomination of 10th Circuit Judge Neal Gorsuch to serve as a justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.

If the Senate approves his nomination, Judge Gorsuch would bring significant experience in federal Indian law to the court.

While important positions within the Trump administration continue to be filled, the policy rubber is now hitting the road for Indian Country. NIGA has worked directly with the Trump transition team to lay groundwork to prepare for this moment.

To ensure that the new administration was well informed about Indian gaming and the variety of issues facing our member tribes, NIGA submitted a “Transition Plan” to the White House, describing our industry, our policy goals and priorities, and potential concerns.

First and foremost, our transition plan provides background information about the Indian gaming industry.

Because Indian tribes lack a tax base to generate revenue to meet community needs, we informed the transition team that many Indian tribes engage in business-like enterprises, most notably Indian gaming operations.

The revenues generated from these enterprises, like the tax base of other forms of government, are used solely to fund basic tribal gov-

ernmental services and programs—health care, education, housing, elder and child care, and infrastructure.

For purposes of Indian gaming, federal law—the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act— mandates that tribal governments use gaming revenues to fund tribal government programs and services, to make charitable contributions, or to aid local government neighbors. As a result, Indian gaming revenues are essentially 100 percent taxed.

We explained that the $30 billion Indian gaming industry has responsibly grown over the past four decades to help more than 240 tribal governments serve their people and their neighbors. Indian tribes have achieved this success by investing more than $425 million annually on state-of-the-art regulatory systems, and by employing more than 4,600 tribal, federal and state regulators that serve as the day-to-day backbones of our operations.

At the same time, Indian gaming is generating more than 300,000 direct American jobs—a sizeable percentage of which go to non-native families—and nearly $10 billion to federal, state and local governments in the form of indirect taxes and fees.

President Trump has stated that it is his administration’s priority to create jobs and build the economies of rural communities, specifically referencing the “forgotten men and women.” Much of Indian Country is rural America, and too often our people have been forgotten by the general public and many in Washington, D.C. NIGA’s Transition Plan made it clear that Indian gaming serves as the anchor to literally hundreds of rural economies throughout the United States. We encouraged the Trump administration to foster the Indian gaming industry and the tireless work of tribal gaming regulators, oppose any amendments to IGRA, and above all, strengthen tribal sovereignty and government-to-government consultation before considering any federal action that could impact tribal communities.

With regard to opportunities, NIGA’s Transition Plan urged the Trump administration to support enactment of the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act, which would bring parity and treat Indian tribes as every other sover-

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eign—states, local governments, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories and possessions—for purposes of the National Labor Relations Act. President Trump and Congress have targeted comprehensive tax reform and revitalization of our nation’s infrastructure as top priorities in 2017. NIGA, in our Transition Plan and in several meetings already held at NIGA’s Washington, D.C. headquarters, urged the administration to ensure that Indian Country is a significant partner in these efforts.

For purposes of tax reform, we urge the administration and Congress to align the tax code with federal Indian law and policy. This will entail providing Indian tribes with direct access to federal tax credit programs that provide access to capital and other critical tools for economic development that are offered to state and local governments.

Including Indian Country in the national effort to revitalize infrastructure will honor the federal government’s treaty promises to make Indian reservations livable homes for our people. It will spur short-term job creation through construction-related jobs and foster long-term economic opportunity and diversification by addressing the single longest standing barrier to native economic development. Building tribal infrastructure will help build and maintain a strong workforce, open doors to native entrepreneurs, and stabilize and diversify our economies.

This is but one of the early challenges that we will face in the transition of the Trump administration and the new 115th Congress.

However, tribal leaders nationwide, NIGA and other national and regional tribal organizations have been front and center walking the hallways on Capitol Hill and communicating with the Trump administration and the president’s transition team about tribal government priorities.

We are blessed with tireless advocates throughout Indian Country, and I am confident that we will take full advantage of the significant opportunities that lie ahead, and that we will address any challenges or barriers that may stand in the way of making a brighter future for our children, our people, and our way of life.

The

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Best-Kept Secrets in Tribal Gaming

MOST PEOPLE ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE powerhouse tribal casino resorts, or the “integrated resorts,” as they are known in today’s parlance. Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun, Mystic Lake, Morongo, Tulalip and several other massive tribal casinos are well-known and remarkable. Their size alone makes them stand apart, but when you layer on the gourmet restaurants, retail, entertainment venues, convention and meeting space and more, these are truly the standouts of the industry.

But tribal gaming is much more than simply large, integrated resorts. In fact, in 2015 (the last full year for which gross gaming revenues have been compiled), 55 percent of the almost $30 billion in revenue came from properties that posted under $250 million annually. So while the big properties certainly get the lion’s share of the revenue, the smaller ones are not struggling.

The editorial advisory board for Tribal Government Gaming has identified five properties that have made a name for themselves as some of the top properties in Indian Country. They may not be the biggest properties but they have produced a solid return on investment for their tribal owners and prepared the tribe for future competition by adding the non-gaming amenities that will make them destinations far into the future.

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By Dave Bontempo

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1. START SMALL, THINK BIG

RESORT AND CASINO once was small enough that special-event participants stayed at a nearby hotel and gaming was conducted in a series of interconnected trailers.

Now, via the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, it is a monolith. A 500-plus-room hotel and nearly 200,000 square feet of gaming space was already impressive enough for the property strategically situated between prominent population centers of San Diego and Los Angeles.

Soon, there will be more. Retail and amenities command center stage of a substantial $285 million property-wide expansion set to finish early in 2018. It will be larger than the value of the original facility, which opened in 2002 for $262 million.

When construction ends, Pechanga will have 200,000 square feet of gaming space, nearly 275,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event-meeting and convention space, 1,090 hotel rooms, 13 restaurants, several pools ECHANGA

and more than 4,500 employees.

The expansion adds a new, AAA Four Diamond, 568-room and suite hotel wing, a stand-alone luxury twostory spa and salon with 17 treatment rooms, a fitness center and hydrotherapy pool terrace, a resort-style pool complex with eight pool areas, two new restaurants and an additional 67,000 square feet of event space.

This is a transformation. Patrons can plan longer trips. Companies can book more conventions. The expansion is an eye-opening commitment to non-gaming customers and an added inducement for players.

“We are committed to making Pechanga Resort & Casino a worldclass resort destination,” says Patrick Murphy of the Pechanga Development Corporation. “We have consistently provided our guests with excellent quality and customer service, and now we’re making their experience even better.

“We’ve brought in some of the best designers, architects and builders

who have worked with other iconic properties to create stunning resort features. We are very excited for the future.”

Pechanga is not only the largest casino in California, but one of the region’s largest employers, at 4,100 jobs. The expansion will have an economic output of more than $550 million and nearly 3,000 new jobs, according to Dr. Christopher Thornberg, founding partner of Beacon Economics. He estimates that the local economy will benefit by an additional 560 jobs going forward.

The design team is led by San Diego-based Delawie Architects, the original designers of the Pechanga Resort and Casino.

Newport Beach, California-based Lifescapes International was selected as the pool area and landscape architects. Over the past five decades, the firm has designed iconic landscapes at world-class resorts including the Bellagio, Wynn and Venetian hotels.

This is Lifescapes’ first project with Pechanga. Company officials say they are honored to be picked for the hotel expansion and design, with the primary focus on creating an outdoor activity area

and a resort-style pool complex, porte cochere and roof-deck.

Highlights include an event lawn for concerts and boxing matches, new spa and spa gardens, VIP cabanas and a resort-style pool complex. The company also will be involved in extended parking and entry roads.

Like many tribal gaming operators, Pechanga started small.

Unlike many, it became a major power.

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2. WINNING THE RACE ENTLEMEN, START YOUR FINANCIAL ENGINES.

FireKeepers literally broke from the pack with a highoctane investment last year. The Battle Creek, Michigan property sponsored the June 2016 NASCAR sprint race, now called the FireKeepers Casino 400, at Michigan International Speeday.

“It was one of the signature moments in our history,” says Brian Decorah, president and CEO of the casino situated between Detroit and Chicago. “We feel we have been elevated from one of the premier operators in the region to one of the premier operators in the country.

“We had more than 110 million viewing impressions (television, social media, etc.) on the weekend leading up to the race. It became an important part of our history and gives us a bigger audience to tell our story.”

It is one worth recounting.

The FireKeepers property is owned and operated by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi. It opened in 2009 and made a major 2012 expansion on an eight-story, 243-room hotel.

Tribal culture, expressed via the Seven Grandfather Teachings of the Potawatomi, is represented in seven pillars of the hotel lobby: love, bravery, humility, honesty, respect, wisdom and truth.

FireKeepers will retain its high profile with at least two more years, probably more, of NASCAR sponsorship. The casino serves its public with a motivated workforce of 1,725, culled from a pool of roughly 35,000 applicants.

“We deliver fun for the guests and for our team members,” Decorah says. “We take genuine care of them, from team-member events to bonuses, etc. We take fun pictures of our team and we’re installing wall graphics on the team-member entrance so when they come in they see not only the trophy area where we have been named one of the best casinos to work for, but they can see images of themselves on property. They are proud of

where they work.”

FireKeepers draws customers from Michigan, Indiana and Illinois, among other regions. Decorah chuckles, recalling a 2016 readership poll in Indiana.

“We were voted the top casino in northwest Indiana,” he laughs. “That’s a pretty nice feat, considering we’re not in Indiana. We’ve had a lot of fun with that.”

Keeping its foot on the philanthropic pedal, FireKeepers recently purchased the historic fire station in Battle Creek. It will be made into a unique restaurant.

“A portion of every sale will be going

to charity,” he says. “Besides that, did you know that about 40 percent of all prepared food in the United States goes right into the garbage? That won’t happen with us. If there is any leftover food, we will repackage it, get the temperatures correct, and give the food to an on-site food bank. Every casino gives back to the community, but we are really rolling up our sleeves with this. We live local, we give local.”

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3. GROW WE MUST ARRAH’S

CHEROKEE HAS UNFURLED THE MAJOR “E” WORD IN the gaming industry. Expansion.

The North Carolina powerhouse recently announced plans for 600 rooms, another parking deck and about 100,000 square feet of convention space. It is a sign of health and robust ambition for a property that has grown steadily, and smartly, over the past 20 years for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

From the days of video poker in 1997, Harrah’s gradually moved into bingo, about 150,000 square feet of gaming space, more than 1,100 hotel rooms, more than 100 suites and several notable restaurants. The property includes a 15,000-square-foot conference center, a 3,000-seat events center, a pool, the Essence Lounge, a workout room, a lobby cafe and a food court with four restaurants including a Ruth’s Chris Steak House.

Harrah’s Cherokee built as it went, unfurling a roughly $650 million expansion, for example, after the property proved it had a market.

The company blueprint included a shrewd decision to build outwardly. Harrah’s opened a smaller property far enough from its own interests but close enough to draw business from prominent population centers in 2015. The result was Valley River Casino on an 85-acre track in western North Carolina.

From a design standpoint, Minnesota-based Cuningham Group has been involved from the outset. The company prominently contributed to the $650 million expansion project and the Valley River rollout. It will bid on the new business, too. Cuningham has been a major player in tribal gaming since the late 1980s.

“We see a trend, especially in longstanding markets, that the operators must reinvent themselves because they are no longer the only casino in town,” says Sam Olbekson, director of Native American planning and design for Cuningham Group.

Olbekson says the tribal properties can walk the cultural-commercial tightrope.

“They have been able to express their culture in a way that is honorable to them without being too overt,” he says. “There are subtle things that community members would realize that visitors would not. You see a rich palate of natural materials. The colors have a warm, welcoming sense.

“A major piece of that multimillion-dollar expansion project at Harrah’s Cherokee was that great rotunda.”

The centerpiece of the rotunda is twin 68-foot waterfalls that cascade from the ceiling to a collection pool in the floor. Wrapping behind the waterfalls, a massive, floating, spiral staircase leads up to the second floor.

Cuningham helped the tribe express its property-wide message that “every building tells a story.”

Every expansion does, too. The recent Harrah’s news indicates that although business thrives, the company won’t be complacent.

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4. GRAND CANYON JUNCTION

TWIN ARROWS NAVAJO Casino. As in Grand Canyon.

The property just east of Flagstaff, Arizona, which opened in 2013, draws upon a spectacular wild card. The Grand Canyon, one of the world’s most heralded landmarks, can be reached in roughly an hour and a half. Many patrons blend a gambling-sightseeing trip, helping Twin Arrows target non-gaming customers.

The property obtains a ripple effect from hotels closest to the Grand Canyon often being booked. Patrons willing to stay further away discover gambling and quality accommodations, while Twin Arrows receives foot traffic and future players.

This establishment follows the blueprint of a classic destination resort. Rather than feel compelled to keep customers on property, it can embed gaming into a vacation concept. The dynamic inspires multi-day occupancy, which in turn propels gambling revenue.

Although the 45,000-square-foot casino and 120 guest rooms indicate its commitment to gambling, Twin Arrows targets both gamers and retail customers with amenities. They include entertainRAND IS AN APPROPRIATE TERM FOR

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ment venues, restaurants, an event center, a pool and a retail shop.

The property has some lavish resort earmarks, including luxury guest rooms (available in three configurations), gourmet dining, culturally infused casual dining, a fitness center, a heated indoor pool and more than 11,000 square feet of meeting space.

Las Vegas-based Friedmutter Group played a major role in the master plan, architecture, interior design and construction administration. Its attention to detail was meticulous, paying tribute to several cultural facets, including the Four Worlds of the Navajo, the Navajo creation story.

The main drive and porte cochere are expressed architecturally as a vertically sweeping, spiraling gesture representing the upward movement of ancestors through the four worlds. A water feature at

the entrance denotes the rising waters motivating people to move up and seek new worlds.

Guests enter through a black textured stone vestibule, a contemporary abstraction of the first world, which was filled with mist and sound and inhabited by the Insect People. The vestibule leads the guest to the main rotunda. This monumental volume of space features several embodied concepts relating to the emergence of the different worlds.

Stone walls surround the space supporting four sweeping soffits.

Each soffit face depicts a different world and the people who came before. The second world was the realm of Bluebirds and Swallow People, the third was that of the Grasshoppers and the fourth is where man and woman came to be.

The hotel tower features a dimensional over-scaled weave pattern, suggesting the work of hands and hearts—the weaving of baskets, textiles and song. At the center of the casino, a feature area is

surrounded by a beautiful custom silver and bronze drapery, enclosing the area in an oval portal. This luminous metal chain drapery features an organic pattern of growing grasses and reeds.

The sparkling crystal lanterns surround the outer layers, and inside a reflective chandelier with independent rays of light forms a central ceiling feature.

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5. RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME INSTAR

WORLD CASINO AND RESORT IS PERFECTLY positioned. One of the world’s largest properties stands in Thackerville, Oklahoma, about 90 minutes north of the heavily populated Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas metro area and about two hours south of Oklahoma City. The Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma facility also draws customers from surrounding states.

The casino features more than 600,000 square feet of gaming with more than 7,400 electronic gaming machines set in one of eight international city-themed gaming plazas. WinStar also offers 99 table games and 46 poker tables, bingo, keno and off-track betting.

It has three overnight accommodations. The WinStar World Casino Hotel has 1,400 rooms with direct access to the casino floor and several outdoor pools and cabanas. The Inn at WinStar is a short shuttle ride from the casino and has 100 pet-friendly rooms.

Longer stays are available at the WinStar RV Park, which includes over 150 RV slips, a separate pool and a clubhouse.

The property opened in 2004 and has experienced several prominent expansions.

“We combine the complete casino resort-style experience with 18 T R I BA L G OV E R N M E N T G A M I N G 2 0 1 7

world-class customer service,” says Wayne McCormick, WinStar’s general manager. “By providing this customer-focused approach along with our extensive gaming options, a round of golf (the property will soon have 36 holes), a chance to see the nation’s top artists perform live and relax in a luxurious hotel room all in one trip, we continue to be a world-class destination.”

In 2016, the 66,950-square-foot WinStar Convention Center opened. Its usage includes hosting conventions, conferences, luncheons, weddings, meetings and receptions. The newest resort expansion showcases a grand ballroom, junior ballroom, executive boardrooms, pre-function space and on-site catering.

“We also host a series of events that attract nongaming patrons,” McCormick indicates. “Two notable events for 2017 are the return of the PBR: Built Ford Tough Series September 2-3 and the World Long Drive Championships (televised by the Golf Channel, September 5 and 6) for the third consecutive year.”

Memphis, Tennessee-based HBG Design (formerly Hnedak Bobo Group) has long been part of the WinStar emergence.

“We’d like to think HBG Design has played an integral role molding, shaping and evolving the WinStar World entertainment experience,” principal Dike Bacon says. “The dramatic elevation of the resort quality has been a significant contributor to the Chickasaw’s success. The challenge penetrating a sophisticated market like DFW is to offer high quality and complimentary products and activities that collectively are difficult to replicate individually.”

Gaming is the primary economic engine, but a multi-faceted, integrated resort experience is the differentiator, Bacon indicates.

“Our most recent projects have included major 1,000-key hotel expansions and significant expansions to the casino and support amenities,” he says. “We also completely redesigned the resort arrival experience including new building facades, porte cochere, public entry spaces and front desk. We redesigned a large 500-seat buffet around an Antoni Gaudi theme and have designed new bars and restaurants on the property. One of the most fun components of the recent expansion was the creation of a very exclusive VIP lounge and a VIP gaming area.”

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Four steps to take before you start your guest-room renovation BY WILLIAM LANGMADE

I

t’s all about pre-planning.

So your guest rooms and corridors are getting worn. The guests are complaining on the travel sites. The property has not had a refresh in five or seven years. We had better do a refresh quickly. Not a problem, right? Just hire an interior designer and get some renderings and color presentations.

Install a model room, price it out, get management approval and get going.

Not so fast. As CEO of Purchasing Management International for almost 25 years, I know we have provided over $3 billion in furniture, fixtures, equipment and construction supplies procurement to hotels, casinos and tribal casino properties. I have seen so many times how the lack of preparation and forward planning can turn a simple renovation into a nightmare of lost room revenue and serious cost overruns.

In our experience, during the pre-planning for your renovation, four steps will ensure a smooth process, eliminate mistakes and save you money.

1. Hire A Professional, Experienced Project Manager

Make sure to hire an owner’s rep that has years of experience working either for a large gaming/hotel company construction/design department, or third-party manager that has several casino hotel renovations under its belt.

2. Physical Room Inventory and Measurements

Just because your front desk says you have 100 king rooms and 90 double queen rooms and 50 suites does not mean they are all the same. In most hotels, a king room can be a different width and length as you go up and down the building. There are larger or smaller chases, structural columns and equipment that can take up space in the rooms. Corner rooms can have additional windows and other structural differences.

If the renovation team does not understand each room type, mistakes can be made by ordering too much furniture or too little.

Today, designers are specifying more and

more wall-to-wall headboards and desk units.

If you do not have the right measurements for each room type, you can end up with units that do not fit into each room. It is not one size fits all.

The best way to avoid this is to measure and photographically inventory each room and create a room matrix and a furniture matrix based on the designer’s proposed furniture layout in each room type. We have done these room measurements and inventories on many properties. It only takes a

The best way to get a grip on reality is to create a written timeline based on input from all the team players. few days in an operating hotel, but it is worth thousands of lost dollars later on by avoiding mistakes.

3. Publish A Realistic Timeline

We see all too often the manager of the hotel decree that the renovation will start in July because that is the slow season. While the slow season is the best time to take rooms out of order, that schedule is rarely in sync with the reality of the time it takes to design, procure, make furniture and get it delivered to the site ready for installation.

The best way to get a grip on reality is to create a written timeline based on input from all the team players. Here are some rules of thumb.

The designer needs time to create each room for conceptual approval and then time to create specifications. Let’s say two to three months.

Then a model room… Add another three to four months.

After model approval, the designer will revise the specifications based on the model review. This will take at least one month.

Purchasing agents and contractors need to price and procure all goods. Give it one to

20 T R I BA L G OV E R N M E N T G A M I N G 2 0 1 7

two months.

Upon issuance of the purchase order to the vendors, they need two to four weeks to complete shop drawings, finish samples, cuttings for approval, carpet strike-offs or prototypes. The longest lead times are lighting (18 weeks), fabrics and upholstered furniture (eight to 10 weeks), then six to eight weeks for seating—it equals 18 weeks from all design approvals.

Shipping will take two weeks.

From model room approval and documentation, estimate 20 to 25 weeks to start deliveries.

It is important to understand that there are rarely any shortcuts to this process, especially for custom goods. The only way to make it go faster is to pay more money for overtime and air freight.

4. Do Not Start the Renovation Until You Have FF&E in the Warehouse

Now many people will say we can start with carpet and wall covering in hand and the FF&E will show up later. Believe me, there are many ways FF&E does not show up on time. Maybe the designer is not approving finishes fast enough, or holidays can get in the way, or even lack of timely funding of the vendors will create delays.

There is nothing worse than a renovation where the hotel cannot turn back rooms on time or is turning back guest rooms that are not complete. Either way, you are losing a lot of money.

Taking steps early in the process to hire a good manager, understand the details of your rooms, be realistic as to the amount of time it takes to design, fabricate and ship furniture, and to have all your FF&E and construction materials on hand before you start taking rooms out of order, will ensure a smooth process and save you money.

William Langmade is CEO of Dallas-based Purchasing Management International, a leading FF&E procurement company specializing in the gaming and hospitality industries for over 20 years.

A R C H I T E C T U R E I N T E R I O R D E S I G N B R A N D I N G S T U D I O S S P E C I A L I Z I N G

I N

M U L T I - U S E

P R O J E C T S

The

Birth of Tribal Gaming

BY DAVE PALERMO

Thirty years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling, in California v. Cabazon Band of Mission Indians. The ruling led to the passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, setting the principle that sovereign tribes could offer the same kind of gaming approved in the state where they were located. It was the true birth of Indian gaming.

22 T R I BA L G OV E R N M E N T G A M I N G 2 0 1 7

A chip from the Cabazon card club that was raided in 1983 that led to the landmark Supreme Court decision

THE NONDESCRIPT STUCCO building with the sign “Cabazon Card Casino” was packed with about 100 poker players the night of February 15, 1983, when Brenda Soulliere, then 21 and working the cashier’s cage, prepared to leave for a shift change.

Soulliere, a member of the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians Tribal Council, was oblivious as several Riverside County Sheriff deputies entered the building. Deputies acting as players rose from their chairs. Still others emerged from a bathroom.

“Suddenly, there were sheriff’s deputies everywhere,” Soulliere recalls of the 16 law enforcement officers who participated in the raid.

“Don’t leave me here!” screamed a woman cage employee.

“I went back and locked the door,” Soulliere says. “It was a big, heavy door with a deadbolt lock. The GM (Philip Nichols) was shouting at me, ‘Don’t open the door!’ A sheriff’s deputy was banging on the door, yelling, ‘Open the door!’

“They had guns,” Soulliere says of the deputies. “So I opened the door.”

Deputies shoved Soulliere against a wall and began rifling through her purse.

“I asked them why,” she says. “They said they were looking for a bazooka.”

Authorities issued misdemeanor citations to Soulliere and 30 other tribal members, employees and patrons and confiscated $3,000 in cash, records, cards and chips.

The Riverside County raid and an earlier, October 18, 1981 card room bust by Indio police launched a six-year legal war over the tribe’s right to operate gambling that culminated in the landmark 1987 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in California v. Cabazon Band of Mission Indians.

The high court’s 6-3 decision for the Cabazon Tribe—combined with congressional passage a year later of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA)—planted the seeds of what is today a $30 billion American Indian casino industry with some 480 operations in 28 states.

Indian gambling is credited with strengthening tribal governments, rebuilding economies and revitalizing indigenous communities decimated by generations of war, broken treaties and failed paternalistic federal Indian policies that included efforts to terminate tribes.

Considering the tortured history of indigenous Americans, it is, perhaps, appropriate that a small, economically deprived band of Desert Cahuilla Indians on a barren and remote reservation would strike a crucial legal blow for tribal sovereignty and self-sufficiency.

“T

BUILDING A COMMUNITY

here was nothing out there but sand and sagebrush,” tribal attorney Glenn Feldman says of the roughly 1,700-acre Cabazon Indian Reservation, which in the late ’70s was home to fewer than five families. Tribal headquarters was a room in a nearby low-rent motel.

Desperate for economic development, the band, which at the time consisted of fewer than 25 members, grew jojoba beans for two years before the bottom fell out of the market.

The tribe then launched a mail-order cigarette operation, and later a packaged liquor business. Both enterprises were shut down for violating federal and state tax laws.

“We were frustrated,” Soulliere recalls. “We just wanted some economic development to create jobs for ourselves. It was that simple. We wanted jobs on the reservation.”

It was at that point tribal Chairman Art Welmas and the council decided to get into the gambling business.

A handful of indigenous governments—notably the Seminole Tribe of Florida—had in the late ’70s opened high-stakes bingo operations, most of which were quickly embroiled in legal disputes with state and local officials.

“We had seen what had happened in Florida and we decided we would take the safe route. We’d go after a card room,” former tribal CEO Mark Nichols told Ambrose Lane, author of Return of the Buffalo.

“After all, they are all over California,” Nichols said of the hundreds of municipalities with licensed card rooms. “Who could argue with local option?”

Indio city officials and later Riverside County sued to shut down the card room for violating antigambling laws.

The legal battle for three years centered on whether the card room was on city property. Cabazon won that dispute, proving the land was never legally annexed by the municipality.

The court victory prompted the Riverside County raid, after which Feldman was able to obtain a preliminary injunction allow-

ing the card room to remain open during the lengthy litigation.

The tribe in 1983 opened a bingo hall across from the poker room.

California intervened in the litigation. A lawsuit by the nearby Morongo Band of Mission Indians, operators of a bingo hall also threatened with closure by the county, was consolidated with the Cabazon litigation.

The legal dispute centered on what, if any, jurisdiction state and local governments have over Indian trust lands. The issue was convoluted by the fact California was one of six states operating under Public Law 280, which gave states criminal and limited civil jurisdiction over indigenous communities.

Federal appeals courts in Seminole v. Butterworth (1981) and Barona Band of Mission Indians v. Duffy (1982) upheld the right of tribes to operate gambling on Indian lands without state interference. Judges in both cases made a distinction between PL 280 criminal/prohibitory and civil/regulatory matters. If gambling was otherwise legal in a state, they ruled, it had no jurisdiction over tribal governments also engaged in gambling.

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in February 1986 reached a similar ruling, issuing a summary judgment for the Cabazon and Morongo bands and ordering a permanent injunction preventing California and Riverside County from applying their gambling laws on the reservations.

The Supreme Court declined to hear the Barona and Seminole cases on appeal. But it agreed to review the Cabazon/ Morongo case, leaving the bands with the responsibility of fighting a crucial legal battle over the right of indigenous communities to engage in gambling on tribal lands.

Both the Morongo Band and the Cabazons now operate first-class casino resorts as a result of the Supreme Court decision that involved both tribes (Morongo Casino Resort and Fantasy Springs Casino Resort).

On the 30th anniversary of the high court ruling, Cabazon and Morongo are operating upscale gambling resorts in the Coachella Valley.

“We had to fight, legally, every step of the way, for everything we did,” Soulliere recalls. www.tribalgovernmentgaming.com

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A

SUPREME COURT INTEREST WAS A BAD OMEN

As a result of the 1987 Cabazon decision, Frank Ducheneaux, then counsel to the House Interior Committee on Insular Affairs, began drafting the text of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

“I don’t remember the concessions I made to the other side,” Ducheneaux says of opponents to Indian gaming, “but it was not a very good bill. We conceded in the bill state jurisdiction.”

What Ducheneaux terms the “sellout bill” was offered as a compromise to Indian gambling opponents on Capitol Hill, notably Democratic Rep. Tony Coelho of California.

They rejected it.

“We took it to Coelho and his people,” Ducheneaux says of the legislation sponsored by then-Indian advocate and House Democrat Mark “Mo” Udall of Arizona. “In effect I was saying, ‘We know the court’s going to screw us so we’re going to go ahead and screw ourselves a little bit.’

“They rejected it out of hand.

They wouldn’t take the damn thing, thank God. They were convinced they were going to get a slam dunk from the Supreme Court.

“I don’t know what I would have done if Coelho and his people had taken the sell-out bill,” Ducheneaux says. “I don’t know whether I could have had Mo take it off the table.”

ttorney Feldman was moving his family from Washington, D.C., to Phoenix, Arizona, in the summer of 1986 when he stopped for gas in Amarillo, Texas. Cellphones were not popular, and he sought out a Attorney Glenn pay phone to check with his office.

Feldman and “My secretary told me, ‘Guess Cabazon tribal what? We just got the order from the official Brenda Soulliere were Supreme Court,’” Feldman recalls. key figures in the Justices had issued a certiorari, or writ, Supreme Court to review the 9th Circuit Court of decision that led Appeals ruling upholding the right of to the birth of Cabazon and Morongo to operate Indian gaming as gambling on their reservations. it is known today.

“I was surprised and disappointed,” says Feldman, who represented the Arizona Rep. Mo Udall first tribes in the federal case. “The convenintroduced a bill before the tional wisdom was they took the case Cabazon decision was to reverse the 9th Circuit. announced that would have “My thought was we had better get given states control over to Phoenix and do some research, tribal gaming, but after the decision, a re-drafted bill because we’ve got a brief to write.” solved the problems with The concern among tribal leaders the Johnson Act. that the high court would reverse the 9th Circuit was, indeed, widespread.

About 1,600 miles east in Washington, D.C., Frank Ducheneaux hurriedly redrafted proposed legislation to regulate gambling on Indian lands, a precursor to IGRA. CABAZON ARGUED ON THE BIG STAGE More than 100 tribes impacted by President Ronald Reagan budget cuts had by 1986 turned to some form of gambling— espite the dire predictions circulating throughout Indian largely high-stakes bingo—to generate needed revenue to fund Country, Feldman was confident he could convince justices government services to their citizens. The Bureau of Indian Affairs to rule for the tribes. The court set December 9, 1986 for said 106 tribes were operating some form of gambling in 1985, 93 oral arguments. Each side was given half an hour to make their case. of them high-stakes bingo.

“The law was the law, the cases were the cases; the precedents “With the draconian reduction in funding of federal programs were all there,” Feldman says. “We had addressed all the issues in under the Reagan administration, gaming seemed an ideal source the 9th Circuit. It wasn’t Perry Mason. There were not going to of revenue, and there was a mini-explosion of tribal high-stakes be any surprises pulled out of somebody’s briefcase to change the bingo and pull-tab operations,” says Ducheneaux, then counsel to dynamics of the case.” the House Interior Committee on Insular Affairs.

Nonetheless, he says, “We knew we had a Supreme Court that The growth of Indian gambling prompted Congress to debate at least had some questions or concerns about what the 9th legislation to provide states some regulatory control over the industry.

Circuit had decided.”

Because tribes had been successful in federal courts, draft versions of Cabazon/Morongo had a federal appeals court record that gave the legislation gave tribes regulatory primacy over their operations. justices some comfort to rule for the tribes—not only the As is the case with the current version of IGRA, early drafts of Seminole and Barona cases and a similar 1981 federal court ruling what was then the Indian Gaming Control Act, or HR 1920, disinvolving the Oneida Tribe of Wisconsin, but a 1976 Supreme tinguished between Class I traditional Indian games, Class II Court decision in Bryan v. Itasca, which upheld tribal jurisdiction bingo and poker and Class III casino-style gambling. Tribes were in a Minnesota tax case. given regulatory primacy over traditional and Class II gambling There were affidavits from Interior officials that tribal gamwith states having limited oversight of Class III casinos. bling as a tool for self-governance was consistent with U.S. But Indian law experts feared the Supreme Court’s decision to Department of the Interior policy and directives from the Reagan review California v. Cabazon meant justices would reverse the 9th administration.

Circuit and give states total jurisdiction over tribal gambling.

There was a stipulation by both sides that there was no eviDucheneaux quickly redrafted HR 1920 giving states dence of organized crime activity on the Cabazon and Morongo enhanced jurisdiction. reservations.

“I was trying to get a bill well on its way through the commitAnd there was acknowledgment that tribes were not among tee and Congress to save what we could before the Supreme Court the hundreds of California organizations eligible to operate charimade its decision,” Ducheneaux recalls. table bingo games.

D

24 T R I BA L G OV E R N M E N T G A M I N G 2 0 1 7

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We just wanted some economic development to create jobs for ourselves. It was that simple.

Justices peppered Feldman about gamture, use or transportation of Las Vegas-style bling regulations, equating wagering with slot machines on Indian lands. local government options to legalized cock“That’s what was overlooked by so many fighting, drugs and prostitution. The attorwho say, ‘Why do we need IGRA? We have ney was unflappable.

Cabazon,’” Hogen says. “Cabazon didn’t “Every time somebody threw him a solve the Johnson Act problem. strange question he would respond to it, “Tribes were elated with Cabazon and the even if it were far afield from the subject at decision that said tribes could play bingo,” hand, and just regain his equilibrium,” Hogen says. “There wasn’t an immediate attorney Patricia Zell recalls in the book realization Indian gaming wasn’t going to Sovereign. “I’ve never seen anything like it. work unless tribes got slot machines.”

—Brenda Soulliere, Member, Cabazon “He was comfortable, he made everyCalifornia tribes stretched the legal enveBand of Mission Indians Tribal Council body else comfortable, and the confidence lope, installing “gray area” machines they he exuded really carried the day in terms of argued constituted Class II bingo devices the justices’ receptivity to the merits of what he was saying. permissible under IGRA. By the time Wilson successor Governor “It was just masterful.”

Gray Davis took office in 1999, 29 tribes had facilities equipped Meanwhile, California Deputy Attorney General Roderick with the “gray area” machines.

Walston stumbled on factual issues and was dismissive of The devices, however, were clumsy and slow, and it quickly Cabazon’s claim of sovereignty. became evident Nevada-style slots were necessary to the success of “It is difficult for us to imagine that an Indian tribe with only 25 the tribal casino industry. Machines today generate more than 80 members can be equated with, say, the sovereign state of California percent of the revenue in Indian casinos. or, for that matter, any other sovereign state,” Walston said.

“It didn’t take long to realize where the real money was,” Six of the nine justices disagreed, ruling on February 25, 1987 Morongo attorney George Forman says. “The bingo games took that tribes have a right to operate gambling on Indians lands too long. There weren’t enough bells and whistles.” without interference from state and local governments.

The issue was resolved with passage in 2000 of Proposition Chief Justice William Rehnquist and Justices William 1A, a ballot initiative that amended the state constitution to Brennan, Byron White, Thurgood Marshall, Harry Blackmun authorize Class III gambling on Indian lands subject to legislative and Lewis Powell made up the majority. Sandra Day O’Connor, ratification. Sixty-three California tribes today generate about $8 John Paul Stevens and Antonin Scalia voted with the minority. billion a year.

The surprise support came from Rehnquist, who had reviewed legal assaults on the doctrine of tribal sovereignty.

CABAZON EMERGES FROM HARD TIMES “We got in at the very end of a period when tribal sovereignty, tribal self-governance and those concepts still carried a fair he pioneering Desert Cahuilla Indians came upon hard amount of weight at the federal court level and the Supreme times after the landmark Supreme Court ruling. A promiCourt in particular,” Feldman says. nent tribal member was slain, a non-Indian executive was “From the ’70s to the mid ’80s tribes did pretty well in the convicted of murder for hire and another management employee Supreme Court. Since the ’80s—since Cabazon—the numbers pleaded guilty to embezzlement. Meanwhile, the band defaulted have dropped precipitously. Tribes have been losing far more on bond financing for its Fantasy Springs hotel-casino. cases than they have been winning at the Supreme Court. That’s The tribe, which now numbers close to 50 members, has true today.” reportedly emerged from its financial deficit and is working to “It really was a big surprise when Cabazon was decided the create a more diversified economy, which includes a biomass way it was,” says attorney Phil Hogen, former U.S. attorney and energy plant. former chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission.

“We’ve had some financial problems,” Soulliere says. “But Ducheneaux went back to work, re-drafting legislation to we’re good.” remove pre-Cabazon concessions. “I took the sell-out bill off the “They’ve got a first-class, very stable management team,” table and drafted a bill which Mo later introduced,” Ducheneaux Feldman says. “They’ve also got a very good gaming commission says. “It was basically what IGRA is today.” with all non-tribal members. Things are going well for them.”

The legal war strained relations with county and local officials.

“We got a lot of bad press,” Soulliere says, and many tribes in LEGAL BATTLES CONTINUE California and elsewhere were not supportive of the band’s legal war, GRA requires states to enter into good-faith negotiations with which at its core was a battle for sovereignty and self-governance. tribes seeking to operate Class III, casino-style gambling. But “There wasn’t much support at all. I remember tribes saying, a 1996 federal appeals court decision upheld state immunity ‘We don’t want to go into gambling.’ At the time ‘gambling’ was against Seminole litigation attempts to compel Florida to negotia bad word.” ate a tribal-state compact.

The late tribal Chairman Art Welmas subscribed to the “use it Lacking leverage, Cabazon, Morongo and some 60 other or lose it” theory of tribal sovereignty, says Feldman. He recalls California tribes fought for nearly a decade to get state officials to Welmas as a “tough old guy” who fought for the band’s right to negotiate Class III compacts. Federal courts that earlier sided with pursue economic gain, whether it was jojoba beans, cigarettes, the tribes failed to support them in their legal war with Governor liquor or gambling.

Pete Wilson.

“Welmas and the citizens of Cabazon were confident and While tribes applauded the Cabazon ruling, the decision did aggressive,” Feldman says. “They were determined to take things not extended to Johnson Act prohibitions against the manufacas far as they could, because they believed they were right.”

”

T

I

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Sharing Expertise

At one time, tribes imported casino experts to help them run their gaming businesses. But today, the tribes are the experts, and are venturing out into commercial gaming to spread the knowledge wealth. BY AARON STANLEY

I

n the 20 years following the 1988 passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, the interplay between the tribal and commercial gaming verticals was largely a one-way street.

Commercial operators and suppliers saw tribal gaming as an expansionary opportunity, and were quick to lend their knowhow, products and services to tribes. Tribes, for their part, needed to find people and companies who could help them kickstart their nascent casino businesses.

“Early on in our gaming era, we had to go outside and find some of the experts to help us understand the industry that we were embarking on,” says Ernie Stevens, chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association. “Naturally we looked at the outside industry, outside consultants, management companies—things like that. It was our desire to hit the ground running and make this industry work for us.”

But as tribal gaming has matured into a $30 billion industry and individual tribes have built up their own repertoires of skill and experience, the cross-pollination between the tribal and commercial verticals has become much more dynamic—with tribal operators no longer constrained to four-walled properties on reservation land.

Whether it be through licensing, operations, equity stakes or otherwise, the tribes that have been most successful and mature in tribal gaming are increasingly branching out as commercial gaming operators in a myriad of ways.

“Those in Indian Country are now becoming the experts in the industry. It’s important to understand that we’ve grown up in 28 T R I BA L G OV E R N M E N T G A M I N G 2 0 1 7

Seminole Hard Rock, Hollywood

the industry and we are now our own experts, and we’re very proud of that,” says Stevens. “That’s a clear reflection of our experience, of our resources and of the priorities of our tribal councils and tribal governments.”

T

START WITH THE SEMINOLES he outgrowth first picked up steam in the mid-2000s, when the Seminoles of Florida acquired the licensing rights to two Hard Rock casinos in the state and leveraged that success to acquire the Hard Rock International brand outright in 2007 for $965 million.

While the tribe had dramatically improved its welfare over the prior 30 years through gaming—and particularly through the development of Class II bingo machines that looked like Class III slot machines—its efforts to expand its offerings in the state were being met with resistance.

“The problem you have if you’re an Indian tribe is you only get gambling on Indian land,” says Bob Jarvis, a law professor at Nova Southeastern University in Florida. “You have to have the right confluence, you have to have an area where there really aren’t any other options and you have to have a state that’s willing to play ball. For the longest time, the Seminoles were not in a state that was willing to play ball with them.”

That all changed when the Seminoles, under their indefatigable Chairman Jim Allen, acquired Hard Rock and thus transformed themselves from Class II gaming operators into a fullfledged entertainment empire.

In the years since, the tribe has successfully utilized the Hard Rock brand to bring casinos, cafes and other entities into that empire—which now tops $5 billion in annual revenue and spans 68 countries. In addition to the six casinos it owns and operates in Florida, the tribe now licenses its Hard Rock name to eight other casinos in the U.S. and another in Macau.

“It’s not necessarily the tribe itself—Seminole Gaming or the Seminole Tribe of Florida—that is out trying to own additional casinos or develop additional casinos,” says Jeff Hook, senior vice president of marketing for the tribe. “They really use the Hard Rock arm to go do that and to leverage the brand that Hard Rock has to help grow the casino business for the tribe.”

This diversified approach has given the tribe an enviable status in Indian Country.

“Jim Allen is at least 10 years ahead of anybody else. The Seminoles are at least 10 years ahead of anybody else. What they’ve realized is that gambling is really not their future because there is a cap to what they can do,” says Jarvis.

As the Seminoles sought to diversify their holdings outside of gaming, other major tribes took a different approach during the mid-2000s by leveraging their tribal gaming cachet to propel them into commercial gaming.

“Since we know gaming the best, it’s only natural that we look for ways to advance in that industry first,” says Felix Rappaport, chief executive officer of Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut.

T

EXPANDING PORTFOLIOS

he Mohegans and the Mashantucket Pequots—owners of Mohegan Sun Casino and Foxwoods, respectively, in Connecticut—began closely looking at new ways of broadening their gaming portfolios in response to heightened competition from states in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions.

“Gaming is something that only a relative handful of organizations do well, and since we believe we have a level of expertise that’s valuable, it’s only natural that we have looked at ways to expand the Foxwoods brand into other commercial ventures,” says Rappaport.

Both tribes eyed Pennsylvania, which had then just passed enabling legislation, as a natural jurisdiction to lend their expertise and broaden their holdings. In 2005, the Mohegans acquired the Pocono Downs racetrack in Wilkes-Barre from Penn National Gaming for $280 million and launched it in 2006 as the state’s first slot parlor.

Today, it has expanded several times—including a four-star hotel— and is one of the most successful casinos in the state.

The Pequots in 2006 won a license to build a casino in Philadelphia, but the $275 million project never materialized, as the tribe could not find a committed financial backer during the economic downturn. The license was ultimately revoked by the state’s gaming board in 2010.

The Mohegans and the Pequots also fiercely sought to break into Massachusetts, which had for years served as a key feeder

market for their respective Connecticut properties.

The Mohegans eyed a potential casino site in the city of Palmer—east of Springfield—only to be stuffed in 2013 when it lost a local referendum by just 93 votes. The tribe then set its sights on bidding for the Boston license with a proposal to build a $1.3 billion resort at Suffolk Downs, though that effort also came up short as the project was ultimately awarded to Wynn Resorts in 2014.

The tribe’s commercial expansion efforts suffered another blow in late 2014 when New York turned down its bid for a license to build a casino in the Catskills.

The Pequots have also had difficulty expanding in the congested Northeast—particularly in Massachusetts. The tribe’s bid for the Boston license was shot down by voter referendum, and it kicked tires on sites in Fall River and New Bedford in the state’s southeast region only to have the Massachusetts Gaming Commission decline to grant a license for that part of the state in 2016.

But a key trait of any successful gaming company is that it picks itself up off the mat and keeps plowing ahead.

With expansion prospects in the Northeastern U.S. largely dried up, the Mohegans hit a potential jackpot in 2016 when they won the rights to build what will be the largest casino in South Korea at Incheon International Airport—the eighth-busiest airport in the world. The facility—expected to open in 2020—will try to pry high-roller tourists from northern China, and is projected to draw 10 million visitors annually. (l) Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority executives joined with leaders of the Cowlitz tribe to build the ilani casino in Washington state; (below) Mohegan Sun Casino

In June 2016, the Pequots announced a partnership to build a brand-new Foxwoods Resort Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi, thus giving the tribe its first greenfield commercial gaming enterprise once the project comes to fruition.

The Mohegans and the Pequots are also teaming up in a commercial venture to build a third casino in northern Connecticut to stave off competition from MGM’s new property—currently under construction in Springfield, Massachusetts.

“Since Mohegan and Foxwoods are the only two resort casinos in Connecticut, we’re building together in an effort to protect both Connecticut jobs and the local economy,” Rappaport says. www.tribalgovernmentgaming.com

29

ment and equity deal.

As online gambling finds its way onto the legislative agenda in several states in 2017, Stevens of NIGA says tribes are closely monitoring the landscape, and that national regulators are prepared to accommodate new opportunities that might arise.

“I think the most important thing for us—if the iGaming world moves forward legally—is that they understand that tribes are governments, and that we would expect to interact with that industry just like any other government would. That’s the level we would expect to participate,” Stevens says.

The Pala Band of California jumped into the iGaming market in New Jersey in preparation for the possible legalization of iPoker in California

B

CREATIVE FINANCING AND OPERATIONS ut as the Seminoles have demonstrated, there are creative ways of working around greenfield casino projects that are resourceand capital-intensive but also limited in their supply.

The Mohegans have also actively sought to market their operational expertise to other Indian tribes looking to get into gaming. In 2015, the tribe closed on a $485 million deal to bankroll the construction of a casino for the Cowlitz tribe in southern Washington.

The agreement also includes management and operational rights once the property opens in the second quarter of 2017.

Though the project has been in the works since 2004, there are questions over its future, as it is stuck in a legal dispute over whether the Bureau of Indian Affairs acted properly by taking the land into trust.

In 2014, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians of Alabama began exploring a similar back-door route—leveraging their tribal gaming success into a commercial gaming footprint through consulting, partnerships and acquisitions.

“The effort has been twofold,” says Arthur Mothershed, chief financial officer of PCI Gaming, the business enterprise of the Poarch Creek tribe. “First, the goal was to expand (our) footprint in the Southeast region, and secondly to help other tribes with startup gaming facilities. The rationale for focusing on the Southeast was to use our current database to expand into other markets.”

In 2016, Poarch Creek announced the purchase of the Margaritaville Casino in Bossier City, Louisiana, and it assumed management and operational responsibilities of a new casino owned by the Washoe tribe near Reno, Nevada.

“We realize how difficult it is for a tribe to raise money for a greenfield project on tribal lands, and want to help make that process easier,” says Mothershed.

Online gambling is the newest frontier being explored by tribal gaming interests. Numerous tribes have developed free-play social casino platforms with the goal of building up technical know-how and a customer database that can be leveraged to gain licensure in new markets as they open up.

Two tribes have already established a presence as out-of-state operators in New Jersey, and are building their online gaming cachet.

The Pala Band of Mission Indians, seeking a head start on possible online poker legalization in California, built an in-house platform that launched under the Borgata license in 2014. The Mohegans in 2015 won the right to invest in Resorts Atlantic City’s iGaming operations as an extension of a previous manage30 T R I BA L G OV E R N M E N T G A M I N G 2 0 1 7

R

READY FOR REGULATIONS

egardless of the specific pathway pursued, the transition from tribal into commercial gaming is lined with regulatory, operational and competitive obstacles—particularly as gaming matures and casinos continue to proliferate across the U.S. As the Mohegans and the Pequots have learned, competition is increasing as the overall supply of casino licenses tapers off and the number of qualified casino operators continues to grow. Thus, it becomes incumbent on the tribes to demonstrate and articulate their value proposition vis-à-vis their new commercial competitors.

“I’ve been in this business for 38 years—33 of which were working for publicly traded companies. I’ve seen a lot of other operations, and I believe our operations are comparable with some of the so-called giants,” says Rappaport.

However, no tribe has yet to succeed in wrestling a license away from the likes of Wynn Resorts or MGM. Another issue that must be taken into consideration is that the regulatory landscape for state-by-state commercial gaming differs from that of Indian Country—where tribes operate under the National Indian Gaming Commission and compacts negotiated with their home states.

Jarvis, of Nova Southeastern, reckons the level of supervision employed by many state regulators is more exacting than tribes may be accustomed to.

“All of a sudden, you have to go in front of serious regulators like the Nevada Gaming Commission, where you have to open your books and start explaining who is involved in your operation,” he says. “You don’t have to worry about that when you’re a tribe in front of the NIGC because they don’t ask those sorts of questions.”

The importance of this theme was evidenced in mid-February when the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board commenced an investigation into “possible operational control deficiencies” at Mohegan Sun Pocono.

Stevens of NIGA insists that complying with new regulations is hardly an insurmountable challenge, as tribes have been doing so for three decades and now spend $426 million on regulatory costs per year. But the divergence does highlight some of the logistical and communications challenges that come with branching into a completely different operating environment.

“It has been a challenge for us to convey the message that expansion opportunities are commercial operations subject to local and state jurisdiction rather than regulated by the traditional tribal regulators,” says Mothershed of Poarch Creek. “We began the process believing that all expansions would be similar to those in our past.

“Our advice to other tribes is: before you begin negotiating a deal in a state jurisdiction, keep your governing board and tribal council fully informed of the local and state requirements, and emphasize and that those requirements override tribal jurisdiction.”

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FACES OF INDIAN GAMING The success of the Indian gaming industry hinges on the dedication of the people who operate, regulate and advise the Indian casinos. Here are profiles of 10 of the very best professionals who make tribal government gaming happen.

Planning for the Future Delia M. Carlyle, Tribal Council, Ak-Chin Indian Community

T

hirty-two years of on-and-off serving in tribal government with the Ak-Chin Indian Community in Arizona has given Delia Carlyle an unorthodox perspective on tribal gaming.

“I don’t like to say that we’re a ‘gaming tribe,’” she explains. “We’re a farming tribe that happens to have a casino.”

Carlyle emphasizes that the foundation of the Ak-Chin community has always been agriculture, and that gaming is a means of building upon that.

The community sits near the fastgrowing city of Maricopa, just south of the Gila River Indian Reservation, and roughly 35 miles south of the Phoenix metro area. The tribe grows pecan nuts, cotton, alfalfa, corn, potatoes and other crops.

While other tribes have become overly dependent on casinos or perhaps view them as an elixir to their financial woes, Carlyle asserts that gaming must be seen as just a piece of the tribe’s broader economic development.

“Gaming may not be here forever,”

she says. “So we have to be able to look back and say that we spent the money wisely.”

To that end, she views her job as seeing the big picture and ensuring that gaming proceeds are invested in ventures that will reap long-term benefits for the community, such as scholarships, public safety, infrastructure and housing.

But Carlyle doesn’t deny that the casino has greatly broadened the economic and employment opportunities available to tribal members.

“Before the casino, the only job opportunities were either in farming, limited jobs within the community or going somewhere else,” she explains.

After opening in 1994, Harrah’s AkChin Casino—which now has a hotel, restaurants, a bingo hall, a golf course, an entertainment venue and convention space—has provided a lifeline to members of the tribe who would otherwise be relegated to farming or leaving the community altogether to search for work.

She views her current role on the five-member Ak-Chin tribal council as that of a steward and as an elder who brings stability, leadership and wisdom harvested from past generations.

Though she will become a greatgrandmother in June, Carlyle shows no signs of slowing down. In 2016, she completed her associate’s degree at Central Arizona College and plans to continue at Arizona State University studying public health.

“Most of my fellow classmates could have been my grandchildren!” she jokes.

“Some of the professors could have been my grandchildren!”

—Aaron Stanley

32 T R I BA L G OV E R N M E N T G A M I N G 2 0 1 7

FOLLOWING HER STAR Angela Dauphinais, Players Club Manager, Valley View Casino Hotel

ANGELA DAUPHINAIS HAS COME A LONG WAY IN HER career—literally.

Starting in the frozen north—Bemidji, Minnesota, home of no less than three Indian reservations—she crisscrossed the continent in search of opportunity, and found it in abundance in the field of tribal gaming.

A member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians, Dauphinais learned early the importance of tenacity, hard work and following her star. After earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing and then her MBA, she relocated to Lexington, Kentucky for a job selling commercial kitchen equipment and became the leading salesperson in the nation in less than a year.

In her first job in gaming, at the Spirit Lake Casino & Resort in St. Michael, North Dakota, she rose from promotions manager to marketing manager and eventually led multiple departments.

“I was capable, eager and enthusiastic,” says Dauphinais. “They were very willing to reward me with more responsibility, and I welcomed it.”

Her tenacity was tested in 2008, when she and her husband Dean, a former Marine, decided to relocate again to Southern California.

“We took a chance and moved there without jobs,” Dauphinais recalls. “As we were driving crosscountry in our U-Haul, the stock market crashed and the country basically flipped upside down.”

With characteristic resilience—and nonstop networking—she soon found a new home at Valley View Casino and Hotel in San Diego, owned and operated by the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians. Beginning as manager of bus transportation, Dauphinais rose through the ranks to become players club manager in charge of a 35-member team (she still leads the bus program). In the most competitive Indian gaming market in the U.S.—San Diego has nine tribal casinos—her department has consistently ranked tops in hospitality.

Again, Dauphinais credits her success—and her quick succession through the ranks—to the work ethic forged in her youth.

“Tribal gaming opened the door for me,” she says, “but after you get your foot in the door, it’s how you deliver and perform, because in this business, you’re up against a lot of great professionals.”

—Marjorie Preston

CLASS ACT Francine Dupuis, Treasurer, S&K Gaming LLC

Blazing a Trail Janie Dillard, Executive Officer of Operations, Choctaw Nation

A

s a girl growing up in rural Oklahoma, Janie Dillard barely acknowledged her Choctaw heritage.

“I didn’t want to be a Choctaw,” she says. “I didn’t want to claim any degree of Indian blood.”

At the time, the nation relied almost completely for subsistence on the U.S. federal government. Proud and independent, Dillard wanted nothing to do with relief checks, food stamps and free clinics. “I can remember sitting in the tribal clinic, seeing kids barefoot and in bad clothes, and thinking, ‘This is awful.’”

Then Dillard’s father, whom she has described as her mentor and hero, made a prophetic statement: “I guarantee there will come a day when you see this tribe flourishing and growing into the corporate world.”

“I couldn’t even visualize that,” says Dillard.

But in time, she helped to make it happen.

In the early 1980s, Dillard’s father urged her to apply for a government job, and in 1982, she began her career as secretary for community health. In 1984, she transferred to the Women, Infant and Children program, where she eventually rose to director.

In 1987, when the tribe launched its high-stakes bingo operation, Dillard was first in line for a job.

She began as floor manager at the

Choctaw Bingo Palace. “I remember our grand opening. It was exciting, scary and challenging all at once.”

Because the kitchen wasn’t ready to open, “we had to go get chicken from down the road.”

“We embraced it,” she says. “We didn’t let ourselves become defeated.

We never dreamed what gaming would do for our tribe.”

As the enterprise expanded, so did Dillard’s influence. She rose through the ranks to become advertising director, then general manager, then director of gaming.

In October 2001, she became executive director of gaming for what has grown into a multimillion-dollar enterprise with eight casino resorts.

While the industry has created abundance for many tribal members, Dillard acknowledges there are some areas where the lack she knew as a child is commonplace.

“There’s so much growth potential in every department of our tribe, yet there is poverty out there in the more rural isolated areas—it still exists, to this day. One of our main goals is to bring new jobs into rural communities, open up satellite offices and bring in some new industry. Indian Country is still a land of opportunity, and as a tribe, we’re opening new windows and opportunities every day.”

—Marjorie Preston

WHEN IT COMES TO INDIAN casinos, biggest may not always be best. So says Francine Dupuis, former gaming commission chairwoman for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of Montana and treasurer of S&K Gaming LLC. While some tribes command multibilliondollar gaming enterprises—the Mohegans, the Mashantucket Pequots, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux—last November, Dupuis’ people were excited to open a new Class II gaming hall on their Flathead reservation near Missoula.

The $21 million Gray Wolf Peak Casino, which replaces a smaller facility of the same name, is dwarfed by the tribal mega-resorts like Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun and Mystic Lake. Even so, says Dupuis, the 34,000-square-foot gaming hall and its sister property, KwaTuqNuk Resort & Casino in Polson, are consistent moneymakers that create steady employment for hundreds of tribal members.

In Dupuis’ view, the casinos’ Class II status in some ways may be preferable to Class III, and may be a purer expression of tribal sovereignty. “When you can’t reach a compact agreement with the state, you can say, ‘OK, state, we’re at a deadlock.

We will just go to Class II. That is our right.’”

The CSKT’s last Class III gaming compact lapsed in 2006 when negotiations with the state broke down. The benefit of Class II is clear.

Because Montana allows Class III machines at any business with a liquor license, going to Class II allowed the tribes to sidestep intense competition from scores of gas stations, restaurants and roadside mom-and-pops. In addition, they can offer everything from penny machines to multimilliondollar progressives, while jackpots at state-licensed facilities are capped at $800.

As the National Indian Gaming Commission noted in a 2015 report, almost 60 percent of tribal gaming halls generate less than $25 million in gross gaming revenues per year. Yet those facilities are vital contributors to economic development on reservations.

Like the tribal casinos, Dupuis, a mother, grandmother, rancher and tribal education activist, believes smaller is better in family life too.

She grew up in the tiny town of Elmo, Montana (population: 143) in a home with no running water, where many neighbors did not have electricity. She says tribal gaming, along with the tribe’s hydroelectricity and timber operations, technology firms and other ventures, all contribute to improve the lot of her people.

“Some bigger tribes make megabucks with Class III and a compact, but tribes need to understand Class II is just as important,” says Dupuis.

“Always keep an eye on Class II and Class II issues.

That is how Indian gaming started.”

—Marjorie Preston www.tribalgovernmentgaming.com 33

LEARNING WHILE DOING Eric Geisler, Vice President, Tribal Gaming Student Association, San Diego State University

East Meets West

F

Kara Fox-LaRose, Chief Executive Officer, ilani Casino Resort

or Kara Fox-LaRose, entry into the gaming industry was directed by her father, a member of the Mohegan tribe. And the rest is history.

“I was hired as the 33rd employee, about six months before we opened in Connecticut,” she recalls. “And I’ve been with the company ever since; I just celebrated 21 years. I was able to grow my career as the Mohegan brand developed.”

Fox-LaRose left a job with a law firm in Boston to follow her dream.

“I was doing some support and administrative work for the office,” she says. “It was a smaller firm that was quite successful, but at that point in my life, I really wasn’t sure if that was the right path... So I was fortunate to find Mohegan Sun—and what an amazing ride it’s been.”

Working with the tribe was also very gratifying to Fox-LaRose because it was benefiting her tribe.

“Being part of a company that truly is about the roots—humanity, about people,” she says. “And it’s really about how we treat each other. It’s about being welcoming, and mutual cooperation, and building relationships, and being respectful.”

And that’s why she was so pleased to get the assignment to lead the casino project for the Cowlitz tribe in southwest Washington, just north of Portland, Oregon. The Cowlitz hired

the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority to build and operate their casino.

“That’s something that the Cowlitz believed in, as well,” she says. “Building ilani—about to open in just a couple of months—they believed in the Mohegan management philosophy, because it’s how the tribe survived all those years.

“This has been an amazing opportunity, and working with another tribe now brings a different dynamic to the mix. These two tribes are very much in alignment with who they are and their core values. And so we are very fortunate to work with great people.”

Before setting sail for Washington state, Fox-LaRose says the background she developed at the Mohegan Sun casino in Connecticut, and as assistant general manager at Mohegan Sun Pocono, laid the groundwork for her new job.

“Mohegan Sun in Connecticut is one of the largest properties in the world, so the volumes of people that come into the doors daily prepared me for what we’re doing here,” she says.

“This is an opportunity for me to really create a team with great dynamics among the group. These good people are people who really want the best for the tribe. They’re excited about the project, and I think pulling together that team is going to make this project successful.”

—Roger Gros

34 T R I BA L G OV E R N M E N T G A M I N G 2 0 1 7

AT 29 YEARS OLD, ERIC Geisler has grown up enjoying many of the positive benefits that tribal gaming has brought to Southern California.

Despite hailing from the non-gaming La Jolla band of Luiseño Indians in Southern California, he credits the emergence of casino gaming among neighboring tribes as having radically transformed the quality of life in the region—touching everything from public safety to economic development to tribal governance.

“Before tribal gaming, the types of jobs offered on the reservation were strictly grant system jobs,” Geisler says. “What that left us with was seasonal employment, which really hasn’t helped tribes prosper or reach self-determination and self-reliance.

Gaming is really what has changed that.”

Witnessing these impacts firsthand sparked within him a passion to be a torchbearer for tribal gaming in his community moving ahead.

“I have such a passion for economic development, and gaming specifically, because of the revenue that it provides to tribes to better their people,” he explains. “It’s a leap towards a more prosperous life for native culture.”

Geisler is currently enrolled at San Diego State University, where he is vice president of the Tribal Gaming Student Association and is slated to graduate in May 2017 with a dual degree in American Indian studies and tribal gaming. He credits the SDSU-Sycuan Institute on Tribal Gaming as the springboard that has helped him and other students kick-start their careers.

Geisler is also getting a taste of real-world experience through his work on a proposed $300 million-$400 million expansion project at the Morongo Casino in Cabazon, California. Brought on by a mentor—John James, the casino’s chief operating officer who was looking to recruit young native talent—Geisler is now learning the ins and outs of how and why a gaming facility is designed and constructed the way that it is.

After the Morongo project, Geisler hopes to transition into the day-to-day aspects of running a tribal gaming business.

But even as Geisler overflows with passion for his line of work, he is concerned by what he sees as tribal members not fully capitalizing on the employment opportunities that gaming offers.

“Tribal gaming has been very successful as a whole, but what you don’t see a lot of is native people being the frontrunners on the operations of these facilities that are adding so much to our communities,” he says.

“I’d encourage natives to get out there and get involved with the industry,” he says in a clarion call.

“There’s ample opportunity out there.”

—Aaron Stanley

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JOURNEY STARTS WITH ONE STEP Kelly Myers, Chairwoman, Oklahoma Tribal Gaming Regulators Association

The Path Home H

Jared Munoa, First Vice President, Pechanga Development Corp. istorically, many Native Americans have looked for ways off the reservation. Today, some are finding reasons to return.

In 1978, Jim Munoa, of the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, relocated his young family, including 5-year-old son Jared, from San Diego to the tribe’s reservation in Temecula.

Though Jared Munoa would go on to pursue careers off the rez—in retail, sports training, consulting and real estate—in recent years he, too, found his way back.

“I had worked in all these different industries and was able to succeed as an individual and as a businessman,” Munoa recalls. “From there I was ready for a change. I wanted to come back, help my tribe out and reinvent myself.”

In 2015, Munoa was elected first president of the Pechanga Development Corp. Since then, he has presided over the $300 million expansion of the tribe’s Pechanga Resort & Casino, which broke ground in December of that year and is expected to be complete by this Christmas.

The investment is more than justified, Munoa says. The resort, which opened in 2002, is consistently 100 percent occupied with a lengthy waiting list, and even in slow months is forced to turn away thousands of would-be guests. The expansion will add a four-diamond hotel tower with

almost 600 rooms, a convention center, spa and other amenities.

A hands-on leader, Munoa has been deeply involved in almost every aspect of the expansion, “from picking out the tile for the pool area to choosing how the valet is going to be positioned on-property to working with civil engineers and determining how we’re going to step into the future with our branding,” he says. “I have a 30,000-foot-view of the overall expansion, and also see to the small details such as the carpeting, wall coverings, fixtures and everything in between.”

He has overseen the growth of the tribe’s onsite retail assets and RV park, and is weighing development plans for additional land holdings in Southern California. And in 2016, he oversaw the launch of Best Bet Casino, the casino resort’s free online gaming app.

“From my perspective it’s a way to market our brick-and-mortar casino, reach out regionally to those who may not know our brand, and then of course, expand the name of Pechanga on an international level,” says Munoa.

Though the reservation is still not heavily populated, “there are more individuals moving here,” says Munoa.

“They come for the benefit of connecting culturally, and also taking advantage of the opportunity we’ve been able to create in this valley.”

—Marjorie Preston

36 T R I BA L G OV E R N M E N T G A M I N G 2 0 1 7

THE IDEA OF WORKING IN tribal gaming never crossed Kelly Myers’ mind when she was growing up in Oklahoma and studying accounting at Oklahoma State University.

“I always thought that I’d go to work for an auditing firm or be an accountant and move up that way,” she says, intending to follow in her mother’s footsteps.

But that all changed in 2003 when she was recruited by her native Iowa Tribe to serve as a jack-of-all-trades auditor and licensing agent while the groundwork was being laid for the 2005 compact that would bring Class III tribal gaming to the state of Oklahoma.

“I had never been in a casino, so it was a whole new journey for me,” Myers says. “I loved it. I’m still passionate 14 years later about my job.”

In 2008, she moved over to the Cherokee Nation Gaming Commission, where she continues to serve as a licensing and compliance manager.

She also serves as chairwoman of the Oklahoma Tribal Gaming Regulators Association, chairwoman of the gaming commission of the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma, and a board member of the National Tribal Gaming Regulators Association.

“It’s been never-ending,” Myers says. “I always tell people that there’s always an opportunity, whether in accounting or management, or on the operations side, security, tribal government. There are so many parts of gaming.”

As a regulator, Myers takes pride in helping the 34 gaming tribes and 180 facilities in Oklahoma maximize the benefits of gaming while ensuring they are in compliance with federal, state and local regulations—not always an easy task.

“We’re what you could say are the tribal police—a necessary evil. It’s always a hard job making sure that we’re all doing the right thing,” she says. “But we’re all here for one thing, and that’s to ensure our tribes and our nations are benefiting from these casinos and that we’re maintaining the integrity of our facilities.”

Within her native Iowa Tribe, she says programs funded by gaming proceeds now go toward incentivizing kids to graduate from high school, go to college, return with advanced skills and eventually buy a house.

Myers, a single mother, is also thankful that her career has allowed her to serve as a powerful role model for her 11-year-old daughter.

“It has allowed me to have a great career to support and take care of my daughter,” she says.

“It has allowed me to show her that you can still go for your goals and your dreams no matter what.”

—Aaron Stanley

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RISING TO THE CHALLENGE Christinia Thomas, Deputy Chief of Staff, National Indian Gaming Commission

World of Words June Shorthair, Media and Public Relations Manager, Gila River Indian Community

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n the world of tribal gaming, marketing and communications can be just as nuanced and crucial as casinofloor operations.

Just ask June Shorthair, who currently manages communications and public affairs for the Gila River Indian Community, located just south of Phoenix.

Shorthair began working as a media and public relations manager for Gila River in 1997, and within a few years had assumed responsibility for marketing operations at all three of the tribe’s casinos.

But in the early days of tribal gaming in Arizona, understanding and complying with federal and state regulations meant that marketing was a tad more complex than your standard television ads, mailers and promotions.

“Marketing was always a real strong component to the business operations.

In the beginning, it was key to understand some of the nuances of gaming in Arizona and the new regulations that they wrote as they pertained to how we marketed,” Shorthair explains.

For Gila River, she stresses, a successful gaming enterprise had to not only possess sound business fundamentals and compliance protocols, but also reflect the preferences and views of individuals within the community.

“Whatever promotions you give, whatever strategies you put in—you

had to make sure you had looked at all three entities,” she says. “You couldn’t look at just one or the other. You can’t be just market-driven, because a lot of times the other entities don’t follow along with that same focus.”

Shorthair stepped down in 2008 to tend to an illness in the family, but not before she showed consistent revenue increases that prompted expansion efforts at all three properties.

It was also a source of personal pride being one of just two Native American marketing directors working in tribal gaming in Arizona at the time. “I took that as a great challenge,” she says.

While she no longer directly works in the tribal gaming sphere, she still brings her marketing and business acumen to the Gila River tribe—where she is responsible for social media, website, newsletters and public outreach efforts.

She credits her array of work experiences inside and outside of tribal gaming as giving her the tools necessary to advance the tribe’s interests.

“I’ve worked with five or six different CEOs, about seven different directors of marketing. I’ve learned what not to do mostly, but I also learned to develop best practices,” she says. “I’ve learned to listen and then create solutions. I’m the kind of person that’s saying ‘let’s go—what are we going to do to get it done?’”

—Aaron Stanley

38 T R I BA L G OV E R N M E N T G A M I N G 2 0 1 7

AMONG HER PEERS IN tribal gaming, Christinia Thomas has always run ahead of the pack.

The Sandstone, Minnesota native, a member of the Mille Lacs band of Ojibwe Indians, got her first casino job the day after her 16th birthday, working the buffet at the tribe’s Grand Casino in Hinckley. By 18, she had transferred onto the gaming floor. At 19 she was a supervisor.

When she moved to the Casino Mille Lacs in Onamia, across the street from the tribe’s legislative branch, Thomas shifted from gaming to government, and never looked back. With zero legal background, she was hired as a legislative assistant, a position she held from 1999 to 2004.

During that time, she embraced her tribal culture as never before.

“As a kid I was not actively involved in the tribe because I wasn’t raised on the reservation,” she says. “I always took part in tribal powwows, and my mom taught me how to bead when I was 5, but I didn’t fully understand the significance of those traditions and many others until I was in the legislative position.”

When the tribe decided to rewrite its gaming ordinance, the job fell to Thomas. “They said, ‘You worked in gaming—here, write this.’ The secretary treasurer at the time had a lot of faith in me, more than I had in myself. I got a lot of support from the other elected officials too. They just pushed me.”

She accepted the challenge, the first of many.

As the tribe prepared to split its gaming management and regulatory functions, again Thomas was tapped for a key role on the five-person regulatory authority board.

“I was 28 years old, but I never told anybody. I wanted people to take me seriously.”

She held the position until 2012, concurrently serving as tribal delegate for the Mille Lacs Band as a member of the National Tribal Gaming Commissioner/Regulators. In 2011, Thomas was appointed to the tribal advisory committee of the National Indian Gaming Commission, and in 2013 became NIGC’s deputy chief of staff.

Today, amid the hurly-burly of Washington, D.C., Thomas still enjoys a good challenge. “When you think about it, I once had two casinos to oversee, and now I have almost 500. I’m able to help tribes make sure the integrity of their floors is being met and be the agency expert who answers their questions. I get the best feeling being in this position, a feeling of personal satisfaction that what I learned at my tribes’ gaming facilities has given me the expertise to help others.”

—Marjorie Preston

Through deep working relationships with Native American and First Nation Tribes nationwide, The Innovation Group has built an extensive network of clients among Tribes, developers, and operators involved in Tribal gaming and hospitality projects. In the gaming, entertainment, hospitality, and leisure industries, we provide helpful insights at every stage of the project life cycle.

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IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII What are President Donald Trump’s views on tribal gaming? Hear from both sides of the aisle about a possible Trump policy on Indian gaming and how the court system might change via Trump appointments.

Gambling On The Trump Administration

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HISTORY AS A GUIDE?

By Michael J. Anderson

On January 20, 2017, President Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the 45th president of the United States.

American Indians and Alaska Natives have traditionally voted Democratic in presidential elections, with some exceptions in Alaska, Arizona, Utah, Oklahoma and a handful of other states.

Post-election maps typically show pockets of blue (Democrat) in red (Republican) states where Indian reservation residents reside.

It is with this history that Native Americans, along with most of the country, were shocked and surprised that Mr. Trump had won the election. Along with this shock was a genuine fear for many of what a President Trump might mean for Indian Country with respect to sovereignty, the federal budget, the trust responsibility and, of course, for the continued success of the modern buffalo—Indian gaming. This article highlights both the potential opportunities and pitfalls a Trump administration will present for Indian Country.

Reading the tea leaves with respect to Indian gaming policy has always been a challenge with a new president, and current Indian Country leaders have experienced many transitions from the presidential administration of one party to another. President Bill Clinton had virtually no experience with Indian gaming before taking office, yet his administration and policies supported almost $10 billion in Indian gaming revenue growth during the 1990s.

While some tribal leaders were apprehensive of President George W. Bush and his professed support for states’ 10th Amendment rights, his administration continued to accept land in trust for Indian gaming projects and approved dozens of tribalstate compacts. President Barack Obama also was virtually a 40 T R I BA L G OV E R N M E N T G A M I N G 2 0 1 7

IIIII

blank slate with respect to Indian gaming, yet his administration would prove to be one of, if not the most steadfast supporter of Indian gaming projects and compacts in history.

One difference between President Trump and his immediate predecessors is that he was never an elected official, which in most cases might provide some information on Indian gaming policy. Oddly enough, however, Trump’s private-sector experience in the casino industry has provided him with more background on the Indian gaming industry than all of the prior presidents combined. In particular, however, one congressional hearing in 1993 has painted a long-lasting negative impression of Trump that has been difficult for him to overcome.

In 1993, the House Natural Resources Committee chaired by Democratic Chairman George Miller held a hearing on the regulation of Indian gaming, which then was at an early stage. Trump was an invited witness, and provided his perspective as the owner of the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He alleged the prospect of organized crime activities in Indian gaming and challenged the authenticity of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe in Connecticut.

Trump made a number of unsubstantiated and offensive statements in the hearing, including a now-legendary comment that some of the tribal members in Connecticut did not “look” like Indians to him. The Criminal Division of the Department of Justice testified at the same hearing and debunked Trump’s allegations that there was an organized crime presence in Indian gaming.

The introduction of Donald Trump’s negative views to tribal leaders and the National Indian Gaming Association was compounded a year later. In 1994, he testified before an Indiana state legislative committee and opposed an Indian tribe’s potential entry into the South Bend gaming market in Indiana.

If those two activities were Trump’s only experience with

Indian tribes, there would be very strong reasons for concern even today. However, as the Indian gaming market grew and alliances were formed with Las Vegas entities and Indian tribes, Trump followed his contemporaries and began to partner directly with Indian tribal governments.

For example, Trump’s organization partnered in the early 2000s with the Twenty-Nine Palms Band in Southern California, and entered into a management agreement with the band. The relationship ultimately was terminated by the band, and while not totally amicable, it did not result in litigation. His corporation also entered into an affiliation with the unrecognized Paucatuck Eastern Pequots in Connecticut and funded their federal recognition efforts. Trump later sued the tribe in 2003 when the Paucatucks unified with the Eastern Pequots and terminated their agreement with Trump. Also in the early 2000s, Trump apparently worked behind the scenes in an attempt to block the St. Regis Mohawk’s efforts to establish a casino in the Catskills, New York.

The most positive statement of Trump’s views on Indian gaming came in a 2000 letter from Trump to the Cowlitz tribe in Washington state. In his letter to Cowlitz Chairman John Barnett, Trump expressed his support for tribal sovereignty and tribal gaming so long as it was properly regulated. He also sought to explain away in part his earlier testimony before the House Resources Committee. Ultimately, the Cowlitz tribe did not enter into an agreement with the Trump organization.

Based on this history, no discernible philosophy on Indian gaming emerges from the past interactions between Indian tribes and Trump. Most of the potential partnerships and lawsuits appear to be driven strictly by business reasons. Even so, it may be of some comfort to supporters of Indian gaming that Trump has had direct dealings with Indian tribal government officials and has

even partnered with tribes. This history seems to eliminate the prospect that Trump would harbor any objections to Indian gaming based on moral grounds or that tribes are somehow infiltrated by organized crime or compromised by lack of regulation.

With respect to land-in-trust acquisition for Indian casinos, it is also difficult to see where President Trump and his administration stand. Trump has expressed a strong desire for economic development in rural areas, which could favor tribal acquisitions, especially for energy projects. By contrast, his strong support for states’ 10th Amendment rights could favor a potential veto power over acquisitions that do not have the support of local communities and state governments.

The major official in charge of land acquisitions at the federal level under the Indian Reorganization Act is the secretary of the interior. President Trump has nominated Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke for secretary, and he is expected to be confirmed.

Zinke had a number of Montana tribes support his nomination.

At his confirmation, he expressed strong support for tribal sovereignty and self-determination. Routine land acquisitions will therefore likely continue, although the more controversial “twopart” off-reservation acquisitions probably reached their highwater mark with the Obama administration.

Like a trained poker player who can read “tells” at the gaming table, observers of Indian Country will soon have some “tells” based on how the Trump administration responds to some late-inning decisions of the Obama administration. In particular, Acting Assistant Secretary Larry Roberts made a number of end-of-administration decisions, some of which are just surfacing in the press.

For example, the Interior Department approved a two-part application for the Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma for 107 acres that is ready to be submitted to the Oklahoma governor. Since this

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Like a trained poker player who can read “tells” at the gaming table, observers of Indian Country will soon have some “tells” based on how the Trump administration responds to some late-inning decisions of the Obama administration.

decision is not terribly controversial, the Trump administration may allow it to stand.

In addition, DOI approved a land swap for the Timbisha Tribe in Ridgecrest, California that appears to reduce the National Environmental Policy Act requirements from a more extensive land-in-trust process under 25 CFR 151 to a more expedient environmental overview. The Ridgecrest City Council has expressed opposition to this decision.

One of the more important late-inning Obama administration decisions involves the Cowlitz Tribe of Washington. Opponents of the tribe filed a petition to the Supreme Court to reverse their favorable decision by the D.C. Circuit on July 29, 2016. The Department of Justice has defended the Interior secretary’s decision, but requested and was granted an extension of time to respond to the petition request.

New Attorney General Jeff Sessions could reverse or change DOJ’s prior support and legal theories on behalf of the Cowlitz Tribe. Such a decision to undercut or change the Obama administration’s landmark legal opinions and court decisions interpreting the United States Supreme Court decision in Carcieri v. Salazar would have profound negative effects on a number of tribes who have struggled to show that they were “under federal jurisdiction” as the IRA requires.

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ORDERS IN THE COURTS

By Judy A. Shapiro

A new president’s impact on the judiciary is a slow process.

The federal judicial system is constructed to resist change. Even dramatic political shifts in the administration, and in Congress, take time to percolate through the courts. Federal judges have life tenure; many sit for decades. Of nearly 900 federal judgeships, there are now a little more than 100 vacancies—a ratio matched by the one vacancy out of nine seats on the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court gets most of the nomination attention, but those other seats will slowly fill in, and they matter. The appointment power seldom matches the drama of transformative policy through legislation or executive action, but it confers the opportunity to shape federal law over a long period of time.

The Supreme Court generally accepts one or two Indian law cases in a year, and it has not, in recent years, been kind to tribal interests. By the end of last term, with Justice Scalia’s seat vacant, the court split 4-4 in Dollar General. If the court had mustered five votes to overturn the decision, it might have severely constrained tribal court jurisdiction. With that same vacancy continuing, the court has already heard argument on sovereign immunity, and is being asked to consider the critical question of the Interior Department’s authority to accept trust land under the IRA in a 42 T R I BA L G OV E R N M E N T G A M I N G 2 0 1 7

Another late decision worth monitoring is the Bureau of Indian Affair’s issuance of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Wilton Rancheria in their application for 35.9 acres in the city of Elk Grove, California. A notice of the ROD in the Federal Register was not published before January 20, 2017. The Trump administration has put a blanket hold on all nonpublished notices and regulations, and the Rancheria’s opponents have asked that it be held. This is likely going to be one of Secretary Zinke’s first decisions involving Indian gaming land acquisitions, and could be quite instructive.

Some other indicators of support or negativity for Indian gaming will involve the potential legalization of internet poker and growth of state internet gambling. The confirmation of Attorney General Sessions will likely hinder efforts to pass a national law to legalize internet poker, which in turn would continue to provide brick-and-mortar Indian casinos with a market advantage.

One latent issue potentially affecting tribal gaming is whether federal budget balancers will take another run at taxing Indian gaming revenue directly. The highly contentious attempt by the Republican chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee Bill Archer to tax Indian tribal governments in the mid-1990s failed spectacularly, and would face even more well-funded opposition today.

Like any new presidential administration, the hopes and fears inspired by the president are generally out of proportion to the eventual reality. Indian gaming is such a powerhouse for local economic development, and Indian tribes are such integral players in federal and state politics, it is difficult to see drastic changes in the industry. Gambling on the Trump administration’s Indian gaming policies may present some challenges, but it remains a good bet.

Michael J. Anderson, Anderson Indian Law, has practiced federal Indian law for over 30 years in Washington, D.C. He served as acting assistant secretary and deputy assistant secretary for Indian affairs during the Clinton Administration (1995-2001) and associate solicitor for Indian affairs. He is a citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.

The Supreme Court gets most of the nomination attention, but those other seats will slowly fill in, and they matter. post-Carcieri world. Disenrollment cases are also working through the judicial process, as are questions of good-faith compact negotiation and gaming eligibility of new trust lands.

As of this writing, the Senate is considering the nomination of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court. After 10 years experience on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit, Gorsuch, unlike many of his predecessors, has some familiarity with the more abstract principles of Indian law. His positive record could signal a change in direction for the Supreme Court.

Because the Supreme Court seldom takes more than one or two Indian law cases each year, conflicts on tribal issues most often reach finality in the lower courts. In principle, a single district judge can alter the progress of a proposed gaming enterprise,

although the obligation to follow existing precedent limits dramatically new interpretations of law.

Appellate judges have more freedom to diverge from established practice; they are certainly not bound by lower court decisions. But it will take more new appointments to alter the direction of a circuit court, which usually operates through threejudge panels. A losing party can ask for rehearing “en banc,” by all active judges in the circuit. Then, the outcome turns on generations of judges drawn from generations of presidents. Newly appointed circuit judges tend to have a delayed impact on the direction of appellate review.

The most significant transition of Indian law matters in federal courts will likely flow from the altered environment in the executive branch. As in the past, the courts will be asked to consider challenges to decisions made by the now departed administration.

In the normal course, the Interior Department and the Department of Justice would vigorously defend the determinations to take land in trust, put regulations in place, approve compacts, or determine gaming eligibility of trust land. But now we have an executive branch whose philosophies of governance, land use, private ownership and states’ rights differ from its predecessor’s.

It may, to the extent permitted by law, rescind an earlier decision—as in the chaos of the reversal of the decision to require full environmental review for the Dakota Access Pipeline. More subtly, an agency may decline to defend an existing decision. The United

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States may choose not to oppose Supreme Court review of a decision that the Obama administration won in the lower courts.

The Department of Justice might opt not to defend a decision that favored a tribe in the early stages of attack. In these cases, the tribes may have to expend more resources to try—alone—to preserve the progress they made with the last administration. They will be disadvantaged to not have the United States on their side, joined in common interest after a lengthy agency process.

Those who have doggedly opposed tribal gaming development in the past may now become bolder. They, too, will notice if the United States stops defending tribal interests. They, too, may look for new appointments to lower courts as a way to redirect a forum that had previously been more protective of tribal interests.

And all eyes will be on the Supreme Court, to gauge its developing positions on tribal trust land, tribal rights to good-faith compact negotiation, and, ultimately, the ability of all tribes to count on the full benefits of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Judith A. Shapiro has practiced Indian law for more than 20 years. She has particular expertise in tribal gaming, including management and financing agreements, state compacts, administrative regulation of gaming agreements and, most recently, the development of standards governing Class II technologic aids. Shapiro’s work includes tribal recognition and litigation to preserve tribal sovereignty.

A RISING TIDE LIFTS ALL BOATS

By John Tahsuda

When asked to predict what President Trump’s impact on tribal gaming will be, I thought “it’s a little like looking into a crystal ball” because Native American issues were not actively discussed during the 2016 presidential campaign. However, when you look past the over-hyped/over-sensationalized media coverage, and look at what Trump has been saying he wants to accomplish for the country, you see a lot of things that are important to Indian tribes and their single largest source of tribal government revenue—tribal casinos.

President Trump’s No. 1 objective is to improve the American economy. That sounds great for our tribal casinos. Our tribal casino businesses cannot be exported overseas to find tax havens or to find cheaper labor. We have to remain here. Our patrons have to come here to enjoy our beautiful casinos and resorts. Our employees have to come here to our casinos and resorts to work. We are an America-only business.

Therefore, I fully anticipate that President Trump’s first impact on tribal gaming will be very positive as we all enjoy a faster-growing, stronger economy that benefits all Americans, including the First Americans.

We have now had the opportunity to see Indian gaming flourishing as an industry under both Republican and Democratic administrations. Unfortunately, neither of those presidents was a fan of gaming in general, or tribal gaming specifically. In fact, former President George W. Bush tried to stop his administration

44 T R I BA L G OV E R N M E N T G A M I N G 2 0 1 7

staff from even stepping foot in tribal casinos, while former President Obama not only forbade his administration people from conducting meetings at tribal casinos, he tried to stop tribal officials from conducting meetings at their own tribal casinos if federal budget dollars were paying for any part of the meeting costs.

Therefore, I anticipate that the next positive impact for tribal gaming to be seen will come from President Trump’s familiarity with the casino business in general. Given that he has been in the business, I believe he will not only be comfortable with the concept of tribal casinos, but he will actually understand the economic benefit of tribal casinos. President Trump will encourage the regular use of tribal resort facilities to the great benefit of tribes.

Another area that has seen past administrations let down tribes has been the failure to respect and support tribal sovereignty when it came to the biggest tribal assets, tribal casinos. The Bush and Obama administrations failed to support tribal government authority over labor matters in tribal government gaming.

This disrespect for tribal sovereignty reached its pinnacle under former President Obama, who, when faced with a strong, bipartisan congressional effort to acknowledge and restore tribal government authority (the same authority held by every other American government—federal, state and local), actually issued a veto threat to deny tribes their inherent sovereign governmental authority.

I believe President Trump will support tribal government

authority over labor matters in tribal government gaming. He has already shown a savviness in working with the trade unions, but not the “service” unions. That same strategy will work positively for tribes, who have had long and historic relationships with trade unions, but have only had disrespect and litigation from the “service” unions such as Unite HERE. Now that those unions have lost their champions in former President Obama and former Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid, I anticipate that Trump will encourage unions to respect tribal sovereignty, or he will support changes to laws and regulations that respect tribal authority.

Another policy area in tribal gaming that I believe is ripe for a change in direction is the “off-reservation” land acquisition process. Under former President Obama, the attempts by prior administrations to put reasonable parameters around the admittedly broad and vague IGRA Section 20 land acquisition restrictions were pulled back.

The result was to make the “off-reservation” casino land process a purely political exercise, subject to the very “swamp” activities Trump has vowed to “drain.” Not only does a purely political process lessen public trust, but it is inherently unfair to those tribes legitimately attempting to develop new casino properties that fit within long-accepted legal standards.

I anticipate that President Trump will direct his administration, particularly the Department of the Interior, to develop new fair and reasonable standards to govern the acquisition of land off-reservation for gaming purposes, consistent with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and other longstanding federal Indian laws and policies.

These are only a few of the policy issues important to tribal gaming. I am sure that over the next few years, other issues will arise,

Given that he has been in the business, I believe he will not only be comfortable with the concept of tribal casinos, but he will actually understand the economic benefit of tribal casinos. some of which the tribal gaming industry will be on the same page as President Trump and others which may see some differences.

But I anticipate that those differences will be addressed with respect from the administration, and discussed and resolved consistent with the longstanding policy of government-to-government dialogue. Tribal gaming has now been through numerous changes in administrations, and continued to grow and thrive while working with each.

I do wholeheartedly anticipate that President Trump will support tribal gaming for its most important purpose: to provide an economic base for the development of strong tribal economies and to support critical functions of tribal governments. His vision of an economically powerful and secure America will be the rising tide that lifts all canoes.

John Tahsuda is a principal of Navigators Global, LLC, specializing in Native American law and policy. He is a former staff director of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. Tahsuda is a member of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma.

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TribalGovernment Gaming 2017 Directory

NO FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED TRIBES/FIRST NATIONS

STATES AND PROVINCES WITH EXISTING CLASS lll TRIBAL GAMING

STATES WITH TRIBAL PRESENCE, SOME WITH VARIOUS FORMS OF CLASS II GAMING

NO TRIBAL GAMING PERMITTED

2017 D I R E C TO RY Tribal Government Gaming

ALABAMA

ALASKA

Poarch Band of Creek Indians

Qagan Tayagungin Tribe of Sand Point

Class II

CREEK CASINO WETUMPKA

Class II

3235 Hospital Drive Juneau, AK 99801 Phone: 907-463-5680 www.ccthita.org Bingo 200 seats Bingo Manager: Danielle Lindoff

Klawock Cooperative Association

Sitka Tribe of Alaska

Class II & III

Poarch Band of Creek Indians

KLAWOCK IRA SMOKE SHOP

310 Bayview Blvd.

Klawock, AK 99925 Mailing: PO Box 430 Klawock, AK 99925-0430 Phone: 907-755-2265 Bingo 60 seats GM: Cheryl Edenshaw

Poarch Band of Creek Indians

Metlakatla Indian Community

303 Poarch Rd. Atmore, AL 36502 Phone: 251-368-8007 www.pcigaming.com Casino size: 80,000 sq. ft.

Gaming Machines 1,607 COO: Ron Nesbitt

8 Milton St. Metlakatla, AK 99926-0008 Phone: 907-886-4441 Casino size: 6,000 sq. ft.

Gaming Machines 90 Bingo 120 seats GM: Joni Hudson

WIND CREEK CASINO & HOTEL

TLINGIT AND HAIDA INDIANS

742 Stevenson St. Barrow, AK 99723-1149 Phone: 907-852-2077 Casino size: 550 sq. ft.

Table Games 8 Tribal President: Thomas Oleman GM: Dorothy Edwardson

100 Main St. Municipal Building, Room 3A Sand Point, AK 99661-0447 Phone: 907-383-5833 Pull Tab Machines 10 GM: Dylan Jacobsen

1801 Eddie L.Tullis Dr. Montgomery, AL 36117 Phone: 334-273-9003 www.pcigaming.com Casino size: 46,808 sq. ft.

Gaming Machines 1,700 COO: Ron Nesbitt

NATIVE VILLAGE OF BARROW PULL TABS

Tlingit and Haida Indians of CBJ

AGATE PULL TABS

100 River Oaks Dr. Wetumpka, AL 36092 Phone: 334-514-0469 www.pcigaming.com Casino size: 30,000 sq. ft.

Gaming Machines 1,200 COO: Ron Nesbitt

CREEK CASINO MONTGOMERY

Native Village of Barrow Tribal Government

METLAKATLA INDIAN COMMUNITY BINGO

46 TRIBAL GOVERNMENT GAMING 2017

SITKA TRIBAL BINGO

235 Katlian St. Sitka, AK 99835 Phone: 907-747-3207 www.sitkatribe.org Bingo 100 seats President: Camille Ferguson Sun’aq Tribe of Kodiak

SUN’AQ TRIBAL BINGO

312 West Marine Way Kodiak, AK 99615 Phone: 907-486-6735 Bingo 299 seats GM: Gary Watson

ARIZONA San Carlos Apache Tribe

APACHE GOLD HOTEL CASINO RESORT

Highway 70-Mile Post 258 San Carlos, AZ 85501 Mailing: PO Box 1210 San Carlos, AZ 85550-0357 Phone: 928-475-7800 Toll Free: 800-272-2438 www.apachegoldcasinoresort.com Casino size: 60,000 sq. ft.

Apache Gold Best Western Hotel (146 rooms) Slots 699 Table Games 8 Bingo 1,000 seats Director of Gaming Operations: Linda Michaels

Colorado River Indian Tribes

BLUEWATER RESORT & CASINO

11300 Resort Dr. Parker, AZ 85344-7549 Phone: 928-669-7000 Toll Free: 888-243-3360 www.bluewaterfun.com Casino size: 30,000 sq. ft.

Bluewater Resort (200 rooms) Slots 523 Table Games 13 Bingo 350 seats GM: Art Navarro Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe

BUCKY’S CASINO & PRESCOTT RESORT

1500 East Highway 69 Building B Prescott, AZ 86301-5640 Mailing: PO Box 10190 Prescott, AZ 86304-0190 Phone: 928-776-5695 Toll Free: 800-756-8744 www.buckyscasino.com Casino size: 24,000 sq. ft.

Prescott Resort (160 rooms) Slots 309 Bingo 150 seats Table Games 7 GM: Simon Fort

Tohono O’odham Nation

524 N. 92nd St. Scottsdale, AZ 85256 Phone: 480-850-7777 www.casinoaz.com Casino size: 100,000 sq. ft.

Slots 927 Table Games 36 CEO: Dennis Leong

7350 S Nogales Hwy. Tucson, AZ 85634 Phone: 520-294-7777 www.desertdiamondcasino.com Casino size: 165,000 sq. ft.

Slots 1,089 Table Games 30 Bingo 270 seats GM: Henry Childs

CASINO ARIZONA

Pascua Yaqui Tribe

CASINO DEL SOL

5655 W. Valencia Rd. Tucson, AZ 85746 Phone: 520-838-6506 www.casinodelsol.com Casino size: 240,000 sq. ft.

Slots 1,044 Table Games 35 Bingo 694 seats CEO: Alex Amador Pascua Yaqui Tribe

CASINO OF THE SUN

7406 S. Camino de Oeste Rd. Tucson, AZ 85746-9308 Phone: 520-883-1700 www.casinodelsol.com Casino size: 50,000 sq. ft.

Slots 1,300 Table Games 22 Assistant GM: Sylvia Lopez Yavapai-Apache Nation

CLIFF CASTLE CASINO

555 Middle Verde Rd. Camp Verde, AZ 86322 Phone: 928-567-7900 www.cliffcastlecasino.net The Lodge at Cliff Castle (82 rooms) Casino size: 140,000 sq. ft.

Slots 656 Table Games 17 GM: Mary Ketterling Cocopah Tribe

COCOPAH CASINO & BINGO

15138 S. Avenue B Somerton, AZ 85350 Phone: 928-726-8066 www.cocopahresort.com Casino size: 24,000 sq. ft.

Slots 512 Bingo 350 seats Table Games 8 Acting GM: Bob McClendon Tohono O’odham Nation

DESERT DIAMOND CASINO—I-19

1100 West Pima Mine Rd. Sahuarita, AZ 85629 Phone: 520-294-7777 Toll Free: 866-332-9467 www.desertdiamond-casino.com Casino size: 185,000 sq. ft.

Slots 696 Table Games 6 GM: Henry Childs

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Tohono O’odham Nation

DESERT DIAMOND CASINO

Highway 86 Mile Post 55 Why, AZ 85321 Phone: 520-547-4306 www.ddcaz.com Casino size: 5,000 sq.ft.

Slots 56 CEO: Andrew Asselin

Tonto Apache Tribe

MAZATZAL CASINO

Beeline Hwy. 87 Mile Post 251 Payson, AZ 85541 Phone: 928-474-6044 www.777play.com Casino size: 38,000 sq. ft.

Slots 422 Table Games 7 Bingo 280 seats GM: Roger Leslie Quechan Indian Tribe

PARADISE CASINO

450 Quechan Drive Yuma, AZ 85366 Phone: 760-572-7777 www.paradisecasinos.com Casino size: 11,613 sq. ft.

Slots 506 Bingo 300 seats GM: Charles Montague

Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation

FORT McDOWELL CASINO

10424 N. Fort McDowell Rd. Fountain Hills, AZ 85264 Phone: 480-837-1424 www.fortmcdowellcasino.com Casino size: 150,000 sq. ft.

Radisson Hotel (247 rooms) Slots 903 Table Games 28 Bingo 1,700 GM: Blake Cumbers Ak-Chin Indian Community

HARRAH’S PHOENIX AK-CHIN CASINO

15406 N. Maricopa Rd. Maricopa, AZ 85239 Phone: 480-802-5000 www.harrahs.com Casino size: 40,000 sq. ft.

Harrah’s Phoenix Ak-Chin Resort (148 rooms) Slots 1,100 Table Games 43 Bingo 470 seats GM: Robert Livingston White Mountain Apache

HON-DAH RESORT CASINO

777 Hwy. 260 Pinetop, AZ 85935 Phone: 928-369-0299 www.hon-dah.com Casino size: 18,600 sq. ft.

Hon-Dah Hotel (386 rooms) Slots 800 Table Games 7 GM: Brent Kurth Gila River Indian Community

LONE BUTTE CASINO

1077 S. Kyrene Rd. Chandler, AZ 85226 Phone: 520-796-7777 www.wingilariver.com/lone -butte Casino size: 120,000 sq. ft.

Slots 850 Table Games 21 Bingo 750 seats GM: Caroline Thompson

Gila River Indian Community

WILD HORSE PASS HOTEL & CASINO

11 Bear Paws Way Loleta, CA 95551 Phone: 707-733-9664 www.bearrivercasino.com Casino size: 13,056 sq. ft.

Slots 370 Table Games 15 GM: John O’Neil

Yavapai - Prescott Indian Tribe

19400 Tuolumne Rd. N Tuolumne, CA 95379 Phone: 209-928-9300 www.blackoakcasino.com Casino Size: 65,000 sq. ft.

Slots 1,200 Table Games 24 GM: Ron Patel

YAVAPAI CASINO

1505 E. Hwy. 69 Prescott, AZ 86301-5641 Phone: 928-445-5767 Toll Free: 800-756-8744 www.buckyscasino.com Casino size: 6,000 sq. ft.

Slots 244 GM: Steve Bracety

Class II & III

SPIRIT MOUNTAIN CASINO

8555 S. Hwy. 95 Mohave Valley, AZ 86440 Phone: 928-346-2000 Casino size: 9,500 sq. ft.

Slots 247 GM: Jack Medrano Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community

TALKING STICK RESORT AND CASINO

9800 E. Indian Bend Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85256 Phone: 480-850-7777 www.casinoaz.com Casino size: 240,000 sq. ft.

Slots 800 Table Games 51 CEO: Dennis Leong Navajo Nation

TWIN ARROWS NAVAJO CASINO RESORT

22181 Resort Blvd.

Flagstaff, AZ 86004 Toll Free: 855-946-8946 www.twinarrows.com Casino size: 170,000 sq. ft.

Slots 1,089 Table Games 30 GM: Ben Shelly Gila River Indian Community

VEE QUIVA CASINO

6443 N. Komatke Lane Laveen, AZ 85339 Phone: 520-796-7777 www.wingilariver.com/veequiva Casino size: 70,000 sq. ft.

Slots 950 Table Games 36 Bingo 550 seats GM: Jeff Martin

BEAR RIVER CASINO

5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd.

Chandler, AZ 85226 Phone: 520-796-7777 www.wingilariver.com/wildhorse-pass Casino size: 100,000 sq. ft.

Wild Horse Pass Hotel (242 rooms) Slots 990 Table Games 65 GM: Michael Olujic

CALIFORNIA

Fort Mojave Tribe

Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria

Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians

AGUA CALIENTE CASINO RESORT SPA

32-250 Bob Hope Dr. Rancho Mirage, CA 92270-2704 Phone: 760-321-2000 www.hotwatercasino.com Casino size: 70,000 sq. ft.

Agua Caliente Resort (340 rooms) Slots 1,400 Table Games 60 Bingo 650 seats GM: C.J. Graham Augustine Band of Mission Indians

AUGUSTINE CASINO

84-001 Ave. 54 Coachella, CA 92236 Phone: 760-391-9500 www.augustinecasino.com Casino size: 42,000 sq. ft.

Slots 800 Table Games 10 GM: Jef Bauer Barona Band of Mission Indians

BARONA VALLEY RANCH RESORT & CASINO

1932 Wildcat Canyon Rd. Lakeside, CA 92040-1546 Phone: 619-443-2300 www.barona.com Casino size: 310,000 sq. ft.

Barona Valley Ranch Resort (397 rooms) Slots 2,000 Table Games 95 GM: Rick Salinas

Tuolumne Me-Wuk Tribe

BLACK OAK CASINO RESORT

Blue Lake Rancheria

BLUE LAKE CASINO & HOTEL

777 Casino Way Blue Lake, CA 95525 Phone: 707-668-9770 www.bluelakecasino.com Casino size: 44,500 sq. ft.

Blue Lake Hotel (102 rooms) Slots 750 Table Games 18 Bingo 500 seats CEO: Arla Ramsey

Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation

CACHE CREEK CASINO RESORT

14455 Hwy. 16 Brooks, CA 95606-0065 Phone: 530-796-3118 www.cachecreek.com Casino size: 94,000 sq. ft.

Cache Creek Resort (200 rooms) Slots 2,300 Table Games 130 GM: Randy Takemoto Cahuilla Band of Mission Indians

CAHUILLA CASINO

52702 Hwy. 371 Anza, CA 92539 Phone: 951-763-1200 www.cahuillacasino.com Casino size: 14,000 sq. ft.

Slots 320 GM: Leonardo Pasquarelli Pauma Band of Mission Indians

CASINO PAUMA

777 Pauma Reservation Rd. Pauma Valley, CA 92061 Phone: 760-742-2177 www.casinopauma.com Casino size: 42,500 sq. ft.

Slots 1,000 Table Games 21 GM: Harry Taylor

www.tribalgovernmentgaming.com

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TribalGovernment Gaming 2017 Directory

Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community

TribalGovernment Gaming 2017 Directory

Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of Trinidad

CHER-AE HEIGHTS CASINO

27 Scenic Drive Trinidad, CA 95570-9767 Phone: 707-677-3611 www.cheraeheightscasino.com Casino size: 50,000 sq. ft.

Slots 330 Table Games 13 Bingo 800 seats GM: Ron Badouin Chicken Ranch Band of Me-wuk Indians

CHICKEN RANCH BINGO & CASINO

16929 Chicken Ranch Rd. Jamestown, CA 95327 Phone: 209-984-3000 Casino size: 30,000 sq. ft.

Slots 345 Bingo 400 seats GM: Randy Carter

Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians

Susanville Indian Rancheria

DIAMOND MOUNTAIN CASINO & HOTEL

CHUMASH CASINO RESORT

3400 E. Hwy. 246 Santa Ynez, CA 93460 Phone: 805-686-0855 www.chumashcasino.com Casino size: 280,000 sq. ft.

Chumash Casino Resort Hotel (206 rooms) Slots 2,000 Table Games 55 Bingo 1,000 seats COO & GM: Bill Peters Colusa Indian Community

COLUSA CASINO RESORT

3770 Hwy. 45 Colusa, CA 95932-1267 Phone: 530-458-8844 www.colusacasino.com Colusa Casino Hotel (55 rooms) Casino size: 66,000 sq. ft.

Slots 1,004 Table Games 12 Bingo 700 seats GM: Victor Fernandez

AGILYSYS

Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians

COYOTE VALLEY CASINO

7751 N. State St. Redwood Valley, CA 95470-9663 Phone: 707-485-0700 www.coyotevalleycasino.com Casino size: 10,000 sq. ft.

Slots 250 Tables Games 14 Alturas Rancheria

DESERT ROSE CASINO

901 County Rd. 56 Alturas, CA 96101 Phone: 530-233-3141 Casino size: 6,200 sq. ft.

Slots 120 GM: Shawn Normington

PROFILE

Reimagining Hospitality Solutions

eration hospitality software A technology that supports the entire leading developer of next-gen-

guest lifecycle, Agilysys specializes in point-of-sale, inventory and procurement, analytics, secure payments, property management, document management, and mobile solutions and services—reimagining hospitality solutions that streamline operations while facilitating lasting guest connections.

InfoGenesis POS is the comprehensive point-of-sale system that combines easy-to-use terminal and tablet touch-screen applications with industry-leading offline capabilities. Designed for a broad range of operations, it features real-time reporting, support for flexible menu types and multi-language capabilities that increase efficiency and drive service flexibility.

InfoGenesis Flex extends POS technology to reach remote areas of the property and keeps revenue flowing on a convenient hand-held tablet. rGuest Pay, featuring EMV certification and NFC support, is the industry’s first PCI-validated point-to-point encrypted payment gateway that secures guest-card data during processing, in transit and at rest. rGuest Buy is the self-service POS kiosk that combines InfoGenesis POS and rGuest Pay functionalities to increase service volume, minimize labor costs and boost spending through upselling. rGuest Seat is a sophisticated reservations, wait-list and table management technology solution that hosts can use from a PC or a hand-held. It enables staff to more accurately manage wait times and table turns and encourage repeat visits. rGuest Analyze, the powerful business intelligence tool that enables a 360-degree view of the business and every single guest, helps maximize revenue opportunities while delivering a valued guest experience.

For more information, visit agilysys.com.

48 TRIBAL GOVERNMENT GAMING 2017

900 Skyline Drive Susanville, CA 96130 Phone: 530-252-1100 www.diamondmountaincasino.com Hotel (70 rooms) Casino size: 26,000 sq. ft.

Slots 200 Table Games 2 GM: Campbell Jamieson Tule River Indian Tribe

EAGLE MOUNTAIN CASINO

681 S Tule Rd. Porterville, CA 93257 Phone: 559-788-6220 www.eaglemtncasino.com Casino size: 70,000 sq. ft.

Slots 1,500 Table Games 11 GM: Matthew Mingrone Elk Valley Rancheria

ELK VALLEY CASINO

2500 Howland Hill Rd. Crescent City, CA 95531 Phone: 707-464-1020 www.elkvalleycasino.com Casino size: 23,000 sq. ft.

Slots 310 Table Games 9 Bingo 250 seats CEO: Larry Johnson Cabazon Band of Mission Indians

FANTASY SPRINGS CASINO

84-245 Indio Springs Pkwy.

Indio, CA 92203-3499 Phone: 760-342-5000 www.fantasyspringsresort.com Casino size: 100,000 sq. ft.

Palm Spring Hotel (250 rooms) Slots 2,000 Table Games 40 Bingo 750 seats GM: Paul Ryan Mooretown Rancheria of Maidu Indians

FEATHER FALLS CASINO

3 Alverda Dr. Oroville, CA 95966-9379 Phone: 530-533-3885 www.featherfallscasino.com Casino size: 118,112 sq. ft.

The Lodge (84 Rooms) Slots 1,100 Table Games 19 CEO: Ed Gilbert Manchester Band of Pomo Indians

GARCIA RIVER CASINO

22215 Windy Hollow Rd. Point Arena, CA 95468 Phone: 707-467-5300 www.thegaciarivercasino.com Casino size: 11,000 sq. ft.

Slots 160 GM: Stanley Spencer

Berry Creek Rancheria of the Tyme-Maidu Tribe

GOLD COUNTRY CASINO

4020 Olive Hwy. Oroville, CA 95966-5527 Phone: 530-534-9892 www.goldcountrycasino.com Casino size: 60,000 sq. ft.

Hotel (87 rooms) Slots 900 Table Games 22 Bingo 300 seats GM: John Lind Campo Kumeyaay Nation

GOLDEN ACORN CASINO

1800 Golden Acorn Way Campo, CA 91906 Phone: 866-794-6244 www.goldenacorncasino.com Casino size: 40,000 sq. ft.

Slots 750 Table Games 8 Bingo 150 seats GM: Larry Drousc Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria

GRATON RESORT & CASINO

288 Golf Course Drive West Rohnert Park, CA 94928 Phone: 707-588-7100 www.gratonresort&casino.com Casino size: 320,000 sq. ft.

Slots 3,000 Table Games 144 GM: Joe Hasson Rincon Band of Luiseño Mission Indians

HARRAH’S RESORT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

777 Harrah’s Rincon Way Valley Center, CA 92082 Phone: 760-751-3100 www.harrahs.com Casino size: 59,000 sq. ft.

The Harrah’s Rincon Resort (662 rooms) Slots 1,700 Table Games 59 GM: Janet Beronio Chemehuevi Indian Tribe

HAVASU LANDING RESORT & CASINO

5 Main St. Havasu Lake, CA 92363 Phone: 760-858-4593 www.havasulanding.com Casino size: 6,900 sq. ft.

Slots 248 Table Games 4 GM: Jackie Gordon

HIDDEN OAKS CASINO

Round Valley Indian Tribes

76700 Hwy. 162 Covelo, CA 95428 Phone: 707-983-6898 Slots 100 GM: Randy Wolfin

HOLLYWOOD CASINO JAMUL

14191 Highway 94 Jamul, CA 91935 Phone: 619-669-4785 Casino size: 200,000 sq. ft.

Slots 1,700 Table Games 50 Manager: Penn National Gaming Hopland Band of Pomo Indians

HOPLAND SHO-KAWAH CASINO

13101 Nokonis Rd. Hopland, CA 95449-9725 Phone: 707-744-1395 www.shokawah.com Casino size: 70,000 sq. ft.

Slots 500 Table Games 8 Bingo 100 seats GM: Roman Carrillo Jackson Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians

JACKSON RANCHERIA CASINO HOTEL

12222 New York Ranch Rd. Jackson, CA 95642-9407 Phone: 209-223-1677 www.jacksoncasino.com Casino size: 257,789 sq. ft.

Jackson Rancheria Hotel (146 rooms) Slots 1,600 Table Games 48 CEO: Rich Hoffman

Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians

KONOCTI VISTA CASINO, RESORT & MARINA

2755 Mission Rancheria Rd. Lakeport, CA 95453 Phone: 707-262-1900 www.kvcasino.com Casino size: 12,000 sq. ft.

Hotel (80 rooms) Slots 350 Table Games 6 GM: Damien Wickerd Hoopa Valley Tribe

LUCKY BEAR CASINO

Shopping Center Hwy. 96 Hoopa, CA 95546-0729 Phone: 530-625-5198 www.hoopa-nsn.gov/enterprises/casino.htm Casino size: 5,000 sq. ft.

Lucky Bear Hotel (21 rooms) Slots 110 Table Games 2 GM: Norvin Hostler Smith River Rancheria

LUCKY 7 CASINO

350 N. Indian Rd. Smith River, CA 95567 Phone: 707-487-7777 www.lucky7casino.com Casino size: 45,000 sq. ft.

Slots 319 Table Games 3 Bingo 130 seats GM: Terry Westrick

Big Sandy Rancheria Band of Western Mono Indians

MONO WIND CASINO

37302 Rancheria Lane Auberry, CA 93602-1060 Phone: 559-855-4350 www.monowind.com Casino size: 10,000 sq. ft.

Slots 330 GM: Kerry Smith Morongo Band of Mission Indians

MORONGO CASINO RESORT & SPA

Pala Band of Mission Indians

Quechan Indian Nation

11154 Hwy. 76 Pala, CA 92059-0040 Phone: 760-510-5100 www.palacasino.com Casino size: 40,000 sq. ft.

Hotel (507 rooms) Slots 2,000 Table Games 87 CEO: Bill Bembenek

525 Algodones Rd. Winterhaven, CA 92283 Phone: 760-572-7777 www.playqcr.com Casino size: 297,000 sq. ft.

Quechan Resort (166 rooms) Slots 1,000 Table Games 24 CEO: Bryan Parrish

PALA CASINO RESORT & SPA

Pechanga Band of Luiseño Mission Indians

PECHANGA RESORT & CASINO

49500 Seminole Dr. Cabazon, CA 92230-2200 Phone: 888-667-6646 www.morongocasinoresort.com Casino size: 148,000 sq. ft.

Morongo Resort (310 rooms) Slots 2,580 Table Games 60 Bingo 300 seats GM: John James

45000 Pechanga Parkway Temecula, CA 92592 Phone: 951-693-1819 www.pechanga.com Casino size 200,000 sq. ft.

Pechanga Resort (522 rooms) Slots 3,800 Table Games 175 GM: Rudy Prieto

Bishop Paiute Tribe

Pit River Tribe

PAIUTE PALACE CASINO

2742 N. Sierra Hwy. Bishop, CA 93514 Phone: 760-873-4150 www.paiutepalace.com Casino size: 16,000 sq. ft.

Slots 345 Table Games 6 Interim GM: Tonya Howard

PIT RIVER CASINO

20265 Tamarack Ave. Burney, CA 96013-4064 Phone: 530-335-2334 www.pitrivercasino.com Casino size: 9,000 sq. ft.

Slots 150 Table Games 4 GM: Mike Avelar

QUECHAN CASINO RESORT

Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians

RED EARTH CASINO

3089 Norm Niver Rd. Salton City, CA 92274 Phone: 760-395-1200 www.redearthcasino.com Casino size: 10,000 sq. ft.

Slots 374 GM: Wayne Wallace Cahto Tribe of the Laytonville Rancheria

RED FOX CASINO

200 Cahto Dr. Laytonville, CA 95454 Mailing: PO Box 1763 Laytonville, CA 95454 Phone: 707-984-6800 www.redfoxcasino.net Casino size: 3,600 sq. ft.

Slots 85 Ops. Mgr: Nancy Whittaker

www.tribalgovernmentgaming.com

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TribalGovernment Gaming 2017 Directory

Jamul Indian Village

TribalGovernment Gaming 2017 Directory

Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians

RIVER ROCK CASINO

Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians

RED HAWK CASINO

1 Red Hawk Parkway Placerville, CA 95667 Phone: 530-677-2580 www.redhawkcasino.com Casino size: 88,000 sq. ft.

Slots 2,100 Table Games 66 GM: Bryan DeLugo Yurok Tribe of the Yurok Reservation

REDWOOD HOTEL CASINO

171 Klamath Blvd.

Klamath, CA 95548 Phone: 855-554-2946 Casino size: 2,400 sq. ft.

Slots 125 GM: Michael Peters

3250 Hwy. 128 East Geyserville, CA 95441 Phone: 707-857-2777 www.riverrockcasino.com Casino size: 35,500 sq. ft.

Slots 1,250 Table Games 20 CEO: David Fendrick

Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians

ROLLING HILLS CASINO

2655 Barham Ave. Corning, CA 96021-9000 Phone: 530-528-3500 www.rollinghillscasino.com Casino size: 70,000 sq. ft.

Slots 850 Table Games 12 CEO: Bruce Thomas

Robinson Rancheria of Pomo Indians

ROBINSON RANCHERIA RESORT & CASINO

1545 E. Highway 20 Nice, CA 95464-8619 Phone: 707-262-4000 www.robinsonrancheria.com Casino size: 93,000 sq. ft.

Hotel (48 rooms) Slots 650 Table Games 13 Bingo 530 seats GM: Sam Cocharo

AGS

777 San Manuel Blvd.

Highland, CA 92346 Phone: 909-864-5050 www.sanmanuel.com Casino size: 480,000 sq. ft.

Slots 3,000 Table Games 146 Bingo 2,500 seats Casino Ops: Steve Lengel

5469 Casino Way El Cajon, CA 92019-1810 Phone: 619-445-6002 www.sycuancasino.com Casino size: 218,000 sq. ft.

Sycuan Resort (100 rooms) Slots 2,000 Table Games 55 Bingo 1,246 seats GM: Sheila Howe

SAN MANUEL INDIAN BINGO & CASINO

SAN PABLO LYTTON CASINO

Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake

RUNNING CREEK CASINO

635 East Highway 20 Upper Lake, CA 95485 Phone: 707-262-5500 www.runningcreekcasino.com Casino size: 33,000 sq. ft.

Slots 349 Table Games 6 GM: David Scheugar

PROFILE NIGA: Booth 1144

t NIGA’s 2017 Indian Gaming trade show and convention, AGS will invite tribal gaming leaders from across the country to experience how it has been playing harder and playing smarter to deliver transformative new products to their casino floors.

The lineup includes AGS’ stunning new premium cabinet Orion, its first-ever commercial-grade card shuffler Dex S, and its new customizable, whitelabel bonus spin progressive technology.

AGS also will present the first look at its new social casino solutions for tribal operators, which are designed to offer new ways to engage with players and extend their brands.

AGS’ striking new premium cabinet, Orion, features a 42-inch HD LCD touch-screen portrait monitor encircled by 498 game-controlled emotive LED lights, which amplify the thrills of new games Fu Nan Fu Nu, Wolf Queen, River Dragons and more.

Headlining the table segment, AGS will display its first card shuffler, the Dex S. Designed for poker rooms and hand-pitched or hand-dealt games, the Dex S brings an economical and functional alternative to the marketplace.

Also on display will be the new white-label version of the company’s bonus spin progressive technology packed with updated graphics and software, new hardware and customizable branding, paytables and top awards.

For more information, visit playags.com.

50 TRIBAL GOVERNMENT GAMING 2017

Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Nation

Lytton Rancheria of California

Playing Harder, Playing Smarter

A

San Manuel Band of Mission Indians

13255 San Pablo Ave. San Pablo, CA 94806 Phone: 510-215-7888 www.sanpablolytton.com Casino size: 31,419 sq. ft.

Slots 1,300 Table Games 10 GM: Michael Gorzcynski Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians

SHERWOOD VALLEY RANCHERIA CASINO

SYCUAN CASINO

Table Mountain Rancheria

TABLE MOUNTAIN CASINO & BINGO

8184 Table Mountain Rd. Friant, CA 93626 Phone: 559-822-7777 www.tmcasino.com Casino size: 70,000 sq. ft.

Slots 2,000 Table Games 50 Bingo 600 seats President: Rob Goslini Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi Yokut Tribe

TACHI PALACE HOTEL & CASINO

100 Kawi Place Willits, CA 95490-4674 Phone: 707-459-7330 www.svrcasino.com Casino size: 5,000 sq. ft.

Slots 220 GM: Darrell Nott

17225 Jersey Ave. Lemoore, CA 93245-9760 Phone: 559-924-7751 www.tachipalace.net Casino size: 195,000 sq. ft.

Slots 2,000 Table Games 26 Bingo 1,200 seats GM: Willie Barrios

SOBOBA CASINO

United Auburn Indian Community

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians

23333 Soboba Rd. San Jacinto, CA 92581 Phone: 951-665-1000 www.soboba.net Casino size: 74,000 sq. ft.

Slots 2,020 Table Games 20 Bingo 299 seats Tribal Chair: Scott Cozart GM: Scott Sirois Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians

SPA RESORT & CASINO

401 E. Amado Rd. Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: 760-883-1000 www.sparesortcasino.com Casino size: 30,000 sq. ft.

Spa Hotel (228 rooms) Slots 915 Table Games 23 GM: Bill Duke Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians

SPOTLIGHT 29 CASINO

46-200 Harrison Place Coachella, CA 92236 Phone: 760-775-5566 www.spotlight29.com Casino size: 80,000 sq. ft.

Slots 2,000 Table Games 41 GM: Tom Sedlock

THUNDER VALLEY CASINO

1200 Athens Ave. Lincoln, CA 95648 Phone: 916-408-7777 www.thundervalleyresort.com Casino size: 144,500 sq. ft.

Slots 2,700 Table Games 134 GM: Dawn Clayton Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians

TORTOISE ROCK CASINO

73829 Base Line Road Twentynine Palms, CA 92277 Phone: 877-945-2200 www.tortoiserockcasino.com Casino size: 30,000 sq. ft.

Slots 490 Table Games 7 Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians

TWIN PINE CASINO

22223 Hwy. 29 Middletown, CA 95461 Mailing: PO Box 789 Middletown, CA 95461 Phone: 707-987-0197 Toll Free: 800-564-4872 www.twinpine.com Casino size: 49,410 sq. ft.

Slots 525 Table Games 12 GM: Matt Olin

VALLEY VIEW CASINO

16300 Nyemii Pass Rd. Valley Center, CA 92082 Phone: 760-291-5500 www.valleyviewcasino.com Casino size: 124,000 sq. ft.

Slots 2,000 Table Games 26 GM: Bruce Howard Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians

VIEJAS CASINO

5000 Willows Rd. Alpine, CA 91901-1656 Phone: 619-445-5400 www.viejas.com Casino size: 342,000 sq. ft.

Slots 2,500 Table Games 40 Bingo 400 seats GM: Chris Kelley Fort Independence Indian Community of Paiute Indians

WINNEDUMAH WINN’S CASINO

135 Hwy. 395 North Fort Independence, CA 93526 Phone: 760-878-2483 Casino size: 1,200 sq. ft.

Slots 70 GM: Jimi Goff Redding Rancheria

WIN-RIVER CASINO BINGO

2100 Redding Rancheria Rd. Redding, CA 96001-5530 Phone: 530-243-3377 www.win-river.com Casino size: 80,000 sq. ft.

Slots 700 Table Games 10 Bingo 300 seats GM: Gary Hayward

COLORADO Class II & III

CONNECTICUT

FLORIDA

Class II & III

Seminole Tribe of Florida

Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation

Seminole Tribe of Florida

4150 North State Road 7 Hollywood, FL 33021 Phone: 954-961-3220 www.seminolehollywoodcasino.com Casino size: 50,000 sq.ft.

Gaming Machines 1,150 Table Games 32 Bingo 298 seats GM: Larry Buck

Class II & III

BIG CYPRESS CASINO

FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO

39 Norwich Westerly Rd. Mashantucket, CT 06338 Phone: 860-312-3000 www.foxwoods.com Casino size: 344,000 sq. ft.

Hotel (1,416 rooms) Great Cedar Hotel Grand Pequot Tower Fox Tower Slots 4,800 Table Games 256 Bingo 3,600 seats President & CEO: Felix Rappaport Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut

MOHEGAN SUN CASINO

SEMINOLE CASINO HOLLYWOOD

1 Mohegan Sun Blvd.

Uncasville, CT 06382 Phone: 860-862-8000 www.mohegansun.com Casino size: 350,000 sq. ft.

Mohegan Sun Hotel (1,176 rooms) Slots 5,500 Table Games 280 President & GM: Ray Pineault

Government Road Highway 833 Clewiston, FL 33440 Phone: 954-214-8817 Casino size: 5,610 sq. ft.

Slots 36 Interim GM: Helena Goodman

Miccosukee Tribe Indians of Florida

MICCOSUKEE RESORT & GAMING CENTER

500 SW 177th Ave. Miami, FL 33194-2800 Phone: 305-222-4600 www.miccosukee.com Casino size: 67,000 sq. ft.

Miccosukee Resort (292 rooms) Slots 2,000 Table Games 30 Bingo 800 seats Tribal Chair: Colley Billie

Seminole Tribe of Florida

SEMINOLE CASINO BRIGHTON

Highway 721 Brighton Indian Reservation 17735 Reservation Rd. Okeechobee, FL 34974 Phone: 863-467-9998 www.seminolecasinobrighton.com Casino size: 27,000 sq. ft.

Slots 380 Table Games 6 Bingo 480 seats GM: Marty Johns Seminole Tribe of Florida

SEMINOLE CASINO COCONUT CREEK

5550 NW 40th St. Coconut Creek, FL 33073-3815 Phone: 954-977-6700 www.seminolecoconutcreekcasino.com Casino size: 100,000 sq. ft.

Slots 2,400 Table Games 65 President: Stephen Bonner

Seminole Tribe of Florida

SEMINOLE CASINO IMMOKALEE

506 S. First St. Immokalee, FL 34142 Phone: 941-657-1313 www.theseminolecasino.com Casino size: 75,600 sq. ft.

Gaming Machines 1,200 Table Games 34 GM: Tony Alves Seminole Tribe of Florida

SEMINOLE HARD ROCK CASINOHOLLYWOOD

1 Seminole Way Hollywood, FL 33314 Phone: 954-327-7625 www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com Casino size: 140,000 sq. ft.

Slots 2,500 Table Games 95 President: Michael Volkert

Tenth Annual Tribal Casino & Hotel Development Conference May 7 - 9, 2017

Viejas Casino & Resort, Alpine, CA

This unique conference is dedicated to the design and development of Tribal-owned casinos, resorts and hotels.

Southern Ute Tribe

SKY UTE CASINO RESORT

14826 Hwy. 172 N. Ignacio, CO 81137-0340 Phone: 970-563-3000 www.skyutecasino.com Casino size: 35,000 sq. ft.

Sky Ute Lodge (140 rooms) Slots 600 Table Games 15 Bingo 190 seats Tribal Chair: Pearl Casias Ute Mountain Ute Tribe

UTE MOUNTAIN CASINO HOTEL & RESORT

3 Weeminuche Dr. Towaoc, CO 81334-9999 Phone: 970-565-8800 www.utemountaincasino.com Casino size: 46,000 sq. ft.

Slots 760 Table Games 15 Bingo 500 seats GM: Robert Brooker

“Attending this conference keeps you updated on what other casinos are doing and it’s a great opportunity to learn new strategies.”

"We were able to meet a lot of great contacts and spend quality time with them. The networking far exceeded my expectations!"

- Cindy Nahee, Tribal Council Member, Yavapai-Apache Nation

- Andy Bishop, President, Thin Pig Media

145 North Franklin Turnpike #202, Ramsey, NJ 07446

201-857-5333 www.nativenationevents.org sales@nativenationevents.org

www.tribalgovernmentgaming.com

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TribalGovernment Gaming 2017 Directory

San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians

TribalGovernment Gaming 2017 Directory

Seminole Tribe of Florida

SEMINOLE HARD ROCK CASINOTAMPA

5223 N. Orient Rd. Tampa, FL 33610-4139 Phone: 813-627-7625 www.hardrockhotelcasinotampa.com Casino size: 190,000 sq. ft.

Slots 5,008 Table Games 110 President: John Fontana

IDAHO

Class II & III Shoshone-Bannock Tribe

BANNOCK PEAK CASINO

1707 W. County Rd. Fort Hall, ID 83204 Toll Free: 800-497-4231 www.forthallcasino.com Casino size: 2,700 sq. ft.

Slots 60 GM: Ron Olsen

Nez Perce Tribe

Kootenai Tribe

17500 Nez Perce Hwy. Lewiston, ID 83501-7947 Phone: 208-746-0723 www.crcasino.com Casino size: 81,000 sq. ft.

Slots 640 Bingo 300 GM: Frank Cornett

7169 Plaza St. Bonners Ferry, ID 83805 Phone: 208-267-8511 www.kootenairiverinn.com Casino size: 30,000 sq. ft.

Kootenai River Inn (65 rooms) Slots 500 Bingo 150 seats GM: Tom Turpin

KOOTENAI RIVER INN & CASINO

CLEARWATER RIVER CASINO

Coeur d’Alene Tribe

COEUR D’ALENE CASINO RESORT HOTEL

37914 South Nukwalqw Worley, ID 83876-0236 Phone: 208-686-0248 www.cdacasino.com Casino size: 100,000 sq. ft.

Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel (202 rooms) Slots 1,500 Bingo 800 seats

Ainsworth Game Technology

Shoshone-Bannock Tribes

FORT HALL CASINO

Interstate 15, Exit 80 Simplot Road Fort Hall, ID 83203 Phone: 208-237-8778 www.forthallcasino.com Casino size: 20,000 sq. ft.

Slots 900 Bingo 300 seats GM: Ron Olson

419 Third Street Kamiah, ID 83536-0253 Phone: 208-935-7860 www.crcasino.com Casino size: 5,868 sq. ft.

Slots 100 GM: Frank Cornet

PROFILE NIGA: Booth 723

Compelling Games, Innovative Cabinets

insworth will showcase more than 60 games—including brand-new A titles for both Class II and Class III markets—at the National Indian Gaming Association trade show.

In total, Ainsworth’s game library now tops 200 unique titles, giving casino operators a wide selection of compelling game content for the company’s full line of innovative cabinets, including the A600, A640 and A600 Slant Top. Highlighting Ainsworth’s display will be two Sweet Zone Xtreme titles—Rumble Thunder and Toro Treasure—that are the first games developed by the company’s new U.S. game development team. The games take proven Sweet Zone game play to the next level with exciting free games bonuses with the line count tripled. Toro Treasure also offers a re-spin when the Sweet Zone is triggered.

The games take full advantage of the stunning A640, which features optimal viewing on a 40-inch high-definition LCD game screen and an attractive design, creating powerful game experiences with eye-catching game art.

The cabinet comes standard with a touchscreen LCD button deck with a mechanical “bash button” to combine the ease of new technology with the excitement of traditional slot play. Plus, an optional 27-inch LCD topper will attract players across busy casino floors.

Rumble Thunder and Toro Treasure also are available in the A560SL cabinet.

For more information, visit agtslots.com.

52 TRIBAL GOVERNMENT GAMING 2017

Class II & III Wyandotte Tribe of Oklahoma

7th STREET CASINO

777 North 7th Street Trafficway Kansas City, KS 66101 Phone: 913-371-3500 www.7th-streetcasino.com Casino size: 20,000 sq. ft.

Slots 600 GM: Jean Yuen Iowa Tribe of Kansas & Nebraska

CASINO WHITE CLOUD

Nez Perce Tribe

IT’SE YE-YE BINGO & CASINO

KANSAS

Shoshone Bannock Tribe

SAGE HILL CASINO

Interstate 15 Exit 89 Blackfoot, ID 83221 Phone 208-237-4998 Slots 100 GM: Ron Olsen

IOWA

Class II & III Omaha Tribe of Nebraska

BLACKBIRD BEND CASINO

17214 210th St. Onawa, IA 51040 Phone: 712-423-9646 Casino size: 6,800 sq. ft.

Slots 130 CEO: Kurt Schmidt

777 Jackpot Drive White Cloud, KS 66094 Phone: 785-595-3430 Casino size: 21,000 sq. ft.

Slots 382 Table Games 3 Bingo 500 seats GM: Mike Frederick Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas

GOLDEN EAGLE CASINO

1121 Goldfinch Drive Horton, KS 66439-9537 Phone: 785-486-6601 www.goldeneaglecasino.com Casino size: 45,000 sq. ft.

Slots 720 Table Games 11 Bingo 368 seats GM: Bob Nanatobi

Sac & Fox Tribe of Mississippi in Iowa

MESKWAKI BINGO CASINO HOTEL

1504 305th St. Tama, IA 52339-9697 Phone: 641-484-2108 www.meskwaki.com Casino size: 127,669 sq. ft.

Meskwaki Hotel (408 rooms) Slots 1,500 Table Games 21 Bingo 750 seats GM: Daniel Stromer Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

WINNAVEGAS CASINO 1500 330th St. Sloan, IA 51055-8056 Phone: 712-428-9466 www.winnavegas.biz Casino size: 45,000 sq. ft.

WinnaVegas Inn (52 rooms) Slots 650 Table Games 20 Bingo 400 seats GM: Ray Thomas

Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation

PRAIRIE BAND CASINO & RESORT

12305 150th Rd. Mayetta, KS 66509-8815 Phone: 785-966-7777 www.pbpgaming.com Casino size: 35,000 sq. ft.

Harrah’s Prairie Band Hotel (298 rooms) Slots 1,000 Table Games 25 Bingo 400 seats GM: Ryan Brandt Sac & Fox Nation of Mississippi

SAC & FOX CASINO

1322 US Hwy. 75 Powhattan, KS 66527 Phone: 785-467-8000 www.sacandfoxcasino.com Casino size: 106,000 sq. ft.

Slots 760 Table Games 13 Acting GM: Terry Krat

Class II & III

Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana

COUSHATTA CASINO RESORT

777 Coushatta Dr. Kinder, LA 70648 Phone: 337-738-1370 www.coushattacasinoresort.com Casino size: 107,600 sq. ft.

Hotel (702 rooms) Coushatta Inn (195 rooms) Lodge (92 rooms) Slots 2,800 Table Games 65 GM: Jacque Romero

Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi

Hannahville Tribe of Potawatomi Indians

Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians

11177 East Michigan Ave. Battle Creek, MI 49014 Phone: 269-962-0000 www.firekeeperscasino.com Casino size: 107,000 sq. ft.

Slots 2,900 Table Games 70 Bingo 500 seats GM: R. Bruce McKee

W399 Hwy. 2 & 41 Harris, MI 49845-0351 Phone: 906-466-2941 www.islandresortandcasino.com Casino size: 408,520 sq. ft.

Island Resort (275 rooms) Slots 1,280 Table Games 15 Bingo 200 seats GM: Stan Lewinski

33995 Three Mile Rd. Hessel, MI 49745 Phone: 906-484-2903 www.kewadinhessel.com Casino size: 3,800 sq. ft.

Slots 150 COO: Anthony Goetz

FIREKEEPERS CASINO

Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians

KEWADIN CASINOCHRISTMAS

Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana

CYPRESS BAYOU CASINO

832 Martin Luther King Rd. Charenton, LA 70523 Phone: 337-923-7284 www.cypressbayou.com Casino size: 232,000 sq. ft.

Slots 1,300 Table Games 45 GM & CEO: Anthony Patrone Jena Band of Choctaw Indians

JENA CHOCTAW PINES CASINO

21160 Highway 167 Dry Prong, LA 71423 Phone: 318-648-7773 www.jenachoctawpinescasino.com Casino size: 46,000 sq. ft.

Slots 700 Table Games 5 GM: Philip Pepple Tunica Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana

PARAGON CASINO RESORT

711 Paragon Place Marksville, LA 71351 Phone: 318-253-1946 www.paragoncasinoresort.com Casino size: 72,120 sq. ft.

Paragon Casino Resort (615 rooms) Slots 1,800 Table Games 48 GM: Peter Fordham

MICHIGAN Class II & III

Bay Mills Indian Community

BAY MILLS RESORT & CASINO

11386 W. Lakeshore Dr. Brimley, MI 49715-9308 Phone: 906-248-3715 www.baymillscasinos.com Casino size: 17,000 sq. ft.

Bay Mills Resort (143 rooms) Slots 998 Table Games 13 GM: Michael Starr

ISLAND RESORT & CASINO

Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians

FOUR WINDS DOWAGIAC

587000 M-51 South Dowagiac, MI 49047 Phone: 866-494-6371 www.fourwindscasino.com /do-wagiac Casino size: 12,000 sq. ft.

Slots 300 Table Games 4 GM: Frank Freedman Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians

FOUR WINDS HARTFORD

68600 Red Arrow Hwy. Hartford, MI 49057 Toll Free: 866-494-6371 www.fourwindscasino.com/ hartford Casino size: 52,000 sq. ft.

Slots 569 Table Games 9 GM: Frank Freedman Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians

FOUR WINDS NEW BUFFALO

11111 Wilson Rd. New Buffalo, MI 49117 Toll Free: 866-494-6371 www.fourwindscasino.com Casino size: 135,000 sq. ft.

Four Winds Resort (165 rooms) Slots 3,000 Table Games 66 GM: Frank Freedman Gun Lake Band of Potawatomi Indians

GUN LAKE CASINO

1123-129th Avenue Wayland, MI 49348 Phone: 269-792-7777 www.gunlakecasino.com Casino size: 83,000 sq. ft.

Slots 1,500 Table Games 33 GM: Rob McDermott

7761 Candy Cane Lane Christmas, MI 49862 Phone: 906-387-5475 www.kewadinchristmas.com Casino size: 8,416 sq. ft.

Slots 250 Table Games 5 COO: Anthony Goetz

KEWADIN CASINO— HESSEL

Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians

KEWADIN CASINOMANISTIQUE

US Route 2 East Manistique, MI 49854 Phone: 906-341-5510 www.kewadinmanistique.com Casino size: 9,900 sq. ft.

Slots 275 Table Games 6 Bingo 50 seats COO: Anthony Goetz

Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians

KEWADIN VEGAS CASINO-SAULT STE. MARIE

2186 Shunk Rd. Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783-9398 Phone: 906-632-0530 www.kewadinsault.com Casino size: 39,000 sq. ft.

Kewadin Hotel (318 rooms) Slots 800 Table Games 15 Bingo 400 seats COO: Anthony Goetz

CUNINGHAM GROUP ARCHITECTURE INC.

PROFILE

Leaders In Contemporary Native American Design

architecture, interior design and planning C services for a diverse mix of project types with

uningham Group Architecture Inc. provides

significant focus over the last 25 years on gaming and entertainment.

More than 350 employees in 10 offices provide the resources necessary to explore new ways of solving their clients’ problems with dynamic and innovative design solutions that add value and advance the art of entertainment design.

Cuningham Group’s world-class portfolio—covering the spectrum from small, delicate spaces to complex, expansive projects—includes casinos, hotels, theaters, convention centers, restaurants, retail venues, master plans and support facilities for gaming and resort destinations throughout the U.S. and around the world.

Backed by a client-centered, collaborative approach they call “Every Building Tells a Story,” which emphasizes one-of-a-kind solutions reflecting the vision of clients and the character of each property and site, Cuningham Group understands the importance of culturally relevant design and the central issues involved in the development of tribal resort projects.

Native authorship, cultural references and tribal community involvement help fulfill tribal self-determination. As leaders in contemporary Native American design, Cuningham Group helps clients determine an appropriate design expression that achieves these goals while balancing cultural, social and economic priorities.

Cuningham Group also is on the cutting edge of imaging “Casinos of the Future,” challenging clients to embrace bricks-and-mortar changes that support the evolving nature of gaming and its customer base while setting new standards for the future of entertainment.

For more information, visit cuningham.com. www.tribalgovernmentgaming.com

53

TribalGovernment Gaming 2017 Directory

LOUISIANA

TribalGovernment Gaming 2017 Directory

Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians

KEWADIN SHORES CASINO -ST. IGNACE

3015 Mackinac Trail St. Ignace, MI 49781 Phone: 906-643-7071 www.kewadin.com/st.ignace Casino size: 40,000 sq. ft.

Kewadin Inn of St. Ignace (70 rooms) Best Western Kewadin Casino Lakefront Inn (85 rooms) Slots 730 Table Games 15 COO: Anthony Goetz Bay Mills Indian Community

KINGS CLUB CASINO

12140 W. Lakeshore Dr. Brimley, MI 49715-9319 Phone: 906-248-3715 www.4baymills.com Casino size: 7,400 sq. ft.

Slots 270 Table Games 2 GM: Michael Starr

Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

LAC VIEUX DESERT RESORT CASINO

Little River Band of Ottawa Indians

LITTLE RIVER CASINO RESORT

N5384 Highway 45 N Watersmeet, MI 49969 Phone: 906-358-4226 www.lvdcasino.com Casino size: 25,000 sq. ft.

Dancing Eagle Hotel (135 rooms) Slots 629 Table Games 16 GM: Kevin Galek

2700 Orchard Hwy. Manistee, MI 49660-9752 Phone: 231-723-1535 www.littlerivercasino.com Casino size: 44,000 sq. ft.

Little River Casino Resort (292 rooms) Slots 1,500 Table Games 22 GM: Wendell Long

Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa/Chippewa Indians

Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians

2521 NW Bayshore Dr. Peshawbestown, MI 49682-9366 Phone: 231-534-8100 www.casino2win.com Casino size: 30,581 sq. ft.

Leelanau Sands Lodge (50 rooms) Slots 450 Table Games 8 Bingo 200 seats GM: Frank Shinos

1760 Lears Rd. Petoskey, MI 49770 Phone: 231-439-6100 www.odawacasino.com Casino size: 33,000 sq. ft.

Odawa Hotel (127 rooms) Slots 1,300 Table Games 20 GM: Roger Borton

LEELANAU SANDS CASINO

EVERI

OJIBWA CASINO RESORT (BIG BUCKS)

16449 Michigan Ave. Baraga, MI 49908-9664 Phone: 906-353-6333 www.ojibwacasino.com Casino size: 17,000 sq. ft.

Ojibwa Hotel (92 rooms) Slots 325 Table Games 8 Bingo 450 seats GM: David Haataja

ODAWA CASINO RESORT

PROFILE

Robust Payment Products + Engaging Games

veri is uniquely positioned as the casino industry’s only single-source E provider of robust payments solutions,

vital intelligence offerings and engaging gaming machines that power the casino floor. Everi was formed through the merger of two companies that have served the casino industry for decades: Global Cash Access Inc. and Multimedia Games Inc. At NIGA 2017, Everi Payments will showcase Jackpot Xpress, which allows slot and floor staff to securely process jackpots at the player’s gaming machine using a mobile device. Operators can use Jackpot Xpress with the new JackpotXchange Lite kiosk to process jackpots more efficiently than ever before. Another highlight is Everi’s new kiosk, VersatileXchange, which utilizes a proprietary UXC kiosk platform and provides a smaller, less expensive, non-cash dispensing alternative for gaming operators.

Everi Games will feature Jackpot Jump, a premium linked progressive banked product that takes jackpot wins to a new level with eye-catching signs and LCD toppers. In addition, Empire MPX, Everi’s premium gaming cabinet, is designed to occupy less space, allowing for easy game bank and pod configurations. Empire MPX will feature licensed participation themes including the timeless classic “Casablanca.”

Top off Everi’s slot products with the Foundation overhead sign package, available for Everi’s Core HDX, Player HD, Player Classic and Empire MPX cabinets. Foundation adds excitement to game banks with high-quality, animated LCD content at an affordable price point; purchase monitors with the package, or use existing monitors for added savings.

For more information, visit everi.com.

“Casablanca” and all related characters and elements © and ™ Turner Entertainment Company (s17).

54 TRIBAL GOVERNMENT GAMING 2017

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

MINNESOTA Class II & III

Fond Du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

BLACK BEAR CASINO & HOTEL

1785 Hwy. 210 Carlton, MN 55718-8161 Phone: 218-878-2327 www.blackbearcasinohotel.com Casino size: 88,000 sq. ft.

Black Bear Hotel (250 rooms) Slots 2,000 Table Games 20 Bingo 550 seats GM: Joe Quiroli Fond Du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

OJIBWA CASINO MARQUETTE

105 Acre Trail Marquette, MI 49855 Phone: 906-249-4200 www.ojibwacasino.com Casino Size: 10,000 sq. ft.

Slots 300 Table Games 11 GM: Dale Shalifoe Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe

SAGANING EAGLES LANDING CASINO

2690 Worth Rd. Standish, MI 48658 Toll Free: 888-732-4537 www.saganing-eagleslanding.com Casino size: 39,000 sq. ft.

Slots 867 CEO: Wendy Reeve Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe

SOARING EAGLE CASINO

6800 Soaring Eagle Blvd.

Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 Phone: 989-775-7777 www.soaringeaglecasino.com Casino size: 210,000 sq. ft.

Soaring Eagle Resort (514 rooms) Slots 3,300 Table Games 91 Bingo 500 seats CEO: Wendy Reeve Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa/Chippewa Indians

TURTLE CREEK CASINO & HOTEL

7741 M-72 East Williamsburg, MI 49690 Phone: 231-534-0000 www.turtlecreekcasino.com www.casino2win.com Casino size: 74,000 sq. ft.

Turtle Creek Hotel (137 rooms) Slots 1,200 Table Games 40 GM: Rob Sineway

FOND-DU-LUTH CASINO

129 E. Superior St. Duluth, MN 55802-2127 Phone: 218-722-0280 www.fondduluthcasino.com Casino size: 20,000 sq. ft.

Slots 750 Table Games 4 GM: Maurice Ojibway Bois Forte Band of Chippewa

FORTUNE BAY RESORT CASINO

1430 Bois Forte Rd. Tower, MN 55790-8111 Phone: 218-753-6400 www.fortunebay.com Casino size: 50,000 sq. ft.

Fortune Bay Resort (173 rooms) Slots 840 Table Games 12 Bingo 200 seats GM: Norman Adams Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe

GRAND CASINO HINCKLEY

777 Lady Luck Dr. Hwy 48 Hinckley, MN 55037 Phone: 320-384-7777 www.grandcasinosmn.com Casino size: 68,000 sq. ft.

Two Hotels (1,129 rooms) Slots 2,500 Table Games 38 Bingo 330 seats GM: Mel Towle Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe

GRAND CASINO MILLE LACS

777 Grand Ave. Onamia, MN 56359-4500 Phone: 320-532-7777 www.grandcasinosmn.com Casino size: 68,000 sq. ft.

Grand Casino Mille Lacs Hotel (967 rooms) Slots 1,847 Table Games 24 Bingo 280 seats GM: Ronda Weizenegger

GRAND PORTAGE LODGE & CASINO

70 Casino Dr. Grand Portage, MN 55605-0233 Phone: 218-475-2401 www.grandportage.com Casino size: 15,268 sq. ft.

Grand Portage Lodge (100 rooms) Slots 425 Bingo 300 seats GM: Brian Meyottee Lower Sioux Indian Community

JACKPOT JUNCTION CASINO HOTEL

39375 County Hwy. 24 Morton, MN 56270 Phone: 507-644-8000 www.jackpotjunction.com Casino size: 440,000 sq. ft.

Lower Sioux Lodge (276 rooms) Slots 1,250 Table Games 31 Bingo 375 seats GM: Brian Pendleton Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux

LITTLE SIX CASINO

2354 Sioux Trail Northwest Prior Lake, MN 55372 Phone: 952-445-6000 www.littlesixcasino.com Casino size: 25,000 sq. ft.

Slots 800 Table Games 8 CEO: Ed Stevenson Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux

MYSTIC LAKE CASINO HOTEL

2400 Mystic Lake Blvd.

Prior Lake, MN 55372 Phone: 952-445-9000 www.mysticlake.com Casino size: 150,000 sq. ft.

Mystic Lake Hotel (586 rooms) Slots 4,000 Table Games 100 Bingo 520 seats CEO: Edward Stevenson GM: Tom Polusny Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe

NORTHERN LIGHTS CASINO & HOTEL

6800 Y Frontage Rd. NW Walker, MN 56484 Phone: 218-547-2744 www.northernlightscasino.com Casino size: 40,000 sq. ft.

Hotel (105 rooms) Slots 850 Table Games 16 GM: Brad Michaud

Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe

PALACE CASINO HOTEL

16599 69th Avenue NW Cass Lake, MN 56633 Phone: 218-335-7000 www.palacecasinohotel.com Casino size: 10,000 sq. ft.

Palace Casino Hotel (80 rooms) Slots 550 Table Games 6 Bingo 400 seats GM: Donald Fairbanks White Earth Band of Chippewa Indians

PINEHURST RESORT

27345 County Road 4 Naytahwaush, MN 56566 Phone: 218-935-5745 www.pinehurst.com Casino size: 1,440 sq. ft.

Slots 13 Bingo 340 seats GMs: Greg and Julie LaVoy Upper Sioux Tribe

PRAIRIES EDGE CASINO

5616 Prairies Edge Lane Granite Falls, MN 56241 Phone: 320-564-2121 www.prairiesedgecasino.com Casino size: 52,000 sq. ft.

Slots 928 Table Games 7 GM: Barry Joannides Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians

SEVEN CLANS CASINO RED LAKE

10200 Hwy. 89 Red Lake, MN 56671 Phone: 218-679-2500 www.sevenclanscasino.com /redlake Casino size: 65,840 sq. ft.

Slots 400 Table Games 4 GM: Michael Cobenais Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians

SEVEN CLANS CASINO THIEF RIVER FALLS

20595 Center St. E, Thief River Falls, MN 56701 Phone: 218-681-4062 www.sevenclanscasino.com Casino size: 19,222 sq. ft.

Slots 650 Table Games 9 GM: Roland Hill Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians

SEVEN CLANS CASINO WARROAD

1012 E. Lake St. Warroad, MN 56763 Phone: 218-386-3381 www.sevenclanscasino.com Casino size: 19,000 sq. ft.

Slots 450 Table Games 5 GM: Donna Perkins

White Earth of Chippewa Indians

SHOOTING STAR CASINO HOTEL

777 SE Casino Rd. Mahnomen, MN 56557 Phone: 218-935-2711 www.starcasino.com Casino size: 72,000 sq. ft.

Shooting Star Hotel (437 rooms) Slots 1,089 Table Games 23 Bingo 365 seats GM: Edward Hanson

Leech Lake Band of Ojiwbe

WHITE OAK CASINO

45830 US Hwy. 2 Deer River, MN 56636 Phone: 218-246-9600 www.whiteoakcasino.com Casino size: 15,480 sq. ft.

Slots 300 Table Games 2 GM: Steve Cash

MISSISSIPPI Class II & III

GOLDEN MOON HOTEL & CASINO

13541 Highway 16 West Philadelphia, MS 39350 Phone: 601-650-1234 Casino size: 80,000 sq. ft.

Slots 199 Table Games 69 President & CEO: Holly Gagnon Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians

SILVER STAR HOTEL & CASINO

Prairie Island Indian Community

TREASURE ISLAND RESORT & CASINO

5734 Sturgeon Lake Rd. Welch, MN 55089 Phone: 651-388-6300 www.treasureislandcasino.com Casino size: 150,000 sq. ft.

Treasure Island Resort (480 rooms) Slots 2,200 Table Games 51 Bingo 500 seats GM: Lyn Baxter

Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians

Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians

BOK HOMA CASINO

1 Choctaw Road Heidelberg, MS 39439 Phone: 601-656-5251 www.bokhomacasino.com Casino size: 27,000 sq. ft.

Slots 750 President & CEO: Holly Gagnon

13541 Hwy. 16 West Choctaw, MS 39350 Mailing: PO Box 6048 Choctaw, MS 39350-6048 Phone: 601-650-1234 Toll Free: 866-44-PEARL www.pearlriverresort.com Casino size: 90,000 sq. ft.

Slots 2,284 Table Games 64 President & CEO: Holly Gagnon

FRIEDMUTTER GROUP

PROFILE

Award-Winning Architecture, Master Planning and Interior Design

F architecture, master planning and interior design firm specializing 100 percent in multi-use hospitality resort projects of all sizes. The firm was riedmutter Group is an award-winning, internationally recognized

founded in 1992 by Brad Friedmutter for the unique purpose of exclusively providing professional services to the gaming/resort/hospitality industry.

Friedmutter Group’s expertise includes hotels, casinos, entertainment venues, restaurants, bars and lounges, convention and meeting facilities, pools and spas, retail facilities and hotel/condominium towers.

Friedmutter Group provides critical and comprehensive understanding of the many required elements of the gaming industry—from site selection and development to operating fundamentals—while successfully creating unique designs in existing and new markets.

The firm provides intuitive, thoughtful solutions that manage access and easy circulation of large numbers of people into, through and out of venues, while providing highestquality design, best efficiencies and adjacencies of space and maximum profitability opportunities during all phases of development, construction and operations.

Friedmutter Group is honored to work with a wide range of owners and operators, in traditional, Native American and international locations.

The firm’s more than 34 million square feet of completed projects span across the United States and around the world, and include more than 5.3 million square feet of casinos, nearly 23,000 hotel rooms, more than 600 restaurants, bars and lounges and more than 1.5 million square feet of ballroom, convention and meeting space.

For more information, visit fglv.com. www.tribalgovernmentgaming.com

55

TribalGovernment Gaming 2017 Directory

Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

TribalGovernment Gaming 2017 Directory

MONTANA Class II & III

Crow Tribe

APSAALOOKE NIGHTS CASINO

71 Heritage Road Crow Agency, MT 59022 Phone: 406-638-4440 Casino size: 10,000 sq. ft.

Slots 200 GM: Rachel Pretty on Top Chippewa-Cree Indians of the Rocky Boy’s Reservation

BEAR PAW CASINO

Rocky Boy Agency Box Elder, MT 59521 Phone: 406-395-4863 Casino size: 8,000 sq. ft.

Slots 72 GM: Michael Devaney

Confederated Tribes of Salish & Kootenai

BEST WESTERN KWATAQNUK RESORT & CASINO

49708 US Hwy. 93 East Polson, MT 59860 Phone: 406-883-3636 www.kwataqnuk.com Best Western Hotel (112 rooms) Casino size: 1,650 sq. ft.

Slots 230 GM: Sheila Matt Northern Cheyenne Tribe

CHARGING HORSE CASINO & BINGO

Highway 212 Lame Deer, MT 59043 Mailing: PO Box 1259 Lame Deer, MT 59043 Phone: 406-477-8188 Casino size: 19,000 sq. ft.

Slots 120 Bingo 500 seats GM: Lori Limberhand

GAMECO INC.

Gros Ventre and Assiniboine Tribes of Fort Belknap

Santee Sioux Nation of Nebraska

104 Assiniboine Ave. Harlem, MT 59526 Phone: 406-353-2235 Slots 150 GM: Robert Williams Jr.

52946 Hwy. 12, Suite 2 Niobrara, NE 68760 Phone: 402-857-3860 www.ohiyacasino.com Casino size: 35,000 sq. ft.

Slots 408 Bingo 100 seats GM: Rick Thomas

Blackfeet Nation

GLACIER PEAKS CASINO

416 W. Central Avenue Browning, MT 59417 Phone: 406-338-2274 www.GlacierCash.com Casino Size: 33,000 sq. ft Slots 300 Table Games 3 Bingo 150 seats GM: Dennis Fitzpatrick

Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes

GRAY WOLF PEAK CASINO

20750 Hwy. 93 North Missoula, MT 59808 Phone: 406-726-3778 www.graywolfpeak.com Slots 130 GM: Jennifer Domebo Chippewa-Cree Indians of the Rocky Boy’s Reservation

NORTHERN WINZ CASINO

11031 US Hwy. 87 Box Elder, MT 59521 Phone: 406-395-5420 www.northernwinz.com Casino size: 20,000 sq. ft.

Slots 200 Bingo 100 seats GM: Mike Devany

PROFILE

The World’s First Casino Video Games

ameCo Inc. is a pioneering new company uniting G the experience of playing video

games with the excitement of gambling by creating the world’s first skill-based video game gambling machines.

GameCo’s VGM is the first platform to bring video game-based play to the casino slot floor, offering an entirely new way for players to wager on slot game entertainment. The patented VGM gambling platform allows a player’s skill to determine the payout and winnings, while maintaining the same return to players as traditional slot machines.

GameCo’s VGM aims to attract a new generation of casino customers by providing the opportunity to play video games on casino floors, with the first console-style video game controller approved for use in casinos.

Games include popular titles from top entertainment companies and publishers, featuring various genres and themes—from first-person action, sports and racing to fighting, platformers, puzzle games and more.

GameCo develops VGM games under license from major game developers and entertainment IP companies.

Recent titles include Paramount’s Mission: Impossible and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and Terminator 2: Judgment Day from StudioCanal S.A.S. GameCo changed gaming history in November 2016 as the world’s first company to debut video game gambling machines across casino floors, launching at all three Caesars Entertainment properties in Atlantic City, followed by the Tropicana. GameCo currently is in the midst of a major nationwide rollout, with plans to be operational in most major U.S. gambling jurisdictions by the end of 2017.

For more information, visit gameco.com.

56 TRIBAL GOVERNMENT GAMING 2017

OHIYA CASINO

FORT BELKNAP BINGO HALL

Rosebud Sioux Tribe

ROSEBUD CASINO

30421 US Highway 83 Valentine, NE 69201 Phone: 605-378-3800 www.rosebudcasino.com Casino size: 10,500 sq. ft.

Slots 250 Table Games 5 Bingo 300 seats GM: Robert Mudd

NEVADA

Class II & III

Fort Peck Assiniboine & Sioux Tribes

SILVER WOLF CASINO

300 Highway 25 East Wolf Point, MT 59201 Phone: 406-653-3476 www.silverwolfcasino.com Casino size: 12,000 sq. ft.

Slots 110 Bingo 310 seats GM: Gary Clark

NEBRASKA Class II

Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

IRON HORSE BAR & CASINO

1010 S. Main St. Emerson, NE 68733-3654 Phone: 402-695-0180 www.winnebagocasinos.com Casino size: 2,000 sq. ft.

Gaming Machines 120 CEO: Brian Chamberlain Omaha Tribe of Nebraska

LUCKY 77 CASINO

200 Main St. Walthill, NE 68067 Phone: 402-846-5545 Casino size: 280 sq. ft.

Gaming Machines 64 GM: Susie Moore Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

NATIVE STAR CASINO

1500 Industrial Pkwy.

Winnebago, NE 68071 Phone: 402-878-2901 www.winnebagocasinos.com Casino size: 600 sq. ft.

Gaming Machines 95 GM: Sandra Oliveres

Fort Mojave Indian Tribe

AVI RESORT & CASINO

10000 Aha Macav Pkwy.

Laughlin, NV 89029 Phone: 702-535-5555 www.avicasino.com Casino size: 65,000 sq. ft.

Avi Resort (455 rooms) Slots 950 Table Games 25 Bingo 200 seats VP & GM: Ralph Reid Moapa Band of Paiute

MOAPA TRIBAL CASINO

I-15, Exit 75 Valley of Fire Moapa, NV 89025-0340 Phone: 702-864-2601 Casino size: 2,500 sq. ft.

Slots 96 GM: Eric Garcia Moapa Band of Paiute

MOAPA TRIBAL STORE

1 Lincoln Street Moapa, Nevada 89025 Phone: 702-865-2787 Slots 4 GM: Michael Qualheim Las Vegas Paiute

SNOW MOUNTAIN SMOKE SHOP

11525 Nu-Wav Kaiv Blvd.

Las Vegas, NV 89124 Phone: 702-645-2957 Slots 7 GM: Cindy Pinkerton

Class II & III

Jicarilla Apache Nation

APACHE NUGGET CASINO

US Highway 550 & US Highway 537 Cuba, NM 87013 Phone: 505-289-2486 ww.apachenugget.com Casino size: 5,000 sq. ft.

Slots 120 Tables 4 GM: Martha Loretto Jicarilla Apache Nation

BEST WESTERN JICARILLA INN & WILDHORSE CASINO

13603 US Hwy. 64 Dulce, NM 87529 Phone: 505-759-3663 Casino size: 4,436 sq. ft.

Hotel (42 rooms) Slots 191 GM: Martha Loretto Pueblo of Pojoaque

BUFFALO THUNDER RESORT AND CASINO

30 Buffalo Thunder Trail Santa Fe, NM 87506 Phone: 505-455-5555 www.buffalothunderresort.com Casino size: 61,000 sq. ft.

Hilton Santa Fe Golf Resort & Spa at Buffalo Thunder (395 rooms) Homewood Suites by Hilton (79 suites) Slots 1,100 Table Games 10 GM: Mark Schrecengost Tesuque Pueblo Tribe

CAMEL ROCK CASINO

17486A Hwy. 84/285 Sante Fe, NM 87504 Phone: 505-984-8414 www.camelrockcasino.com Casino size: 60,000 sq. ft.

Slots 550 Table Games 6 GM: Pat Frenier Mescalero Apache Tribe

CASINO APACHE TRAVEL CENTER

225845 US Highway 70 Mescalero, NM 88340 Phone: 575-464-4494 www.innofthemountaingods.com Casino size: 34,700 sq. ft.

Slots 440 Table Games 10 GM: Jonathan Adams Pueblo of Laguna

CASINO EXPRESS

14500 Central Ave Interstate 40 Exit 140 Albuquerque, NM 87120 Phone 505-352-7835 Gaming Machines 250

Pueblo of Pojoaque

Navajo Nation

10-B Cities of Gold Rd. Sante Fe, NM 87506 Phone: 505-455-3313 www.citiesofgold.com Casino size: 40,000 sq. ft.

Cities of Gold Hotel (208 rooms) Slots 550 Bingo 300 seats GM: Mark Schrecengost

Route N36 & State Highway 371, Upper Fruitland, NM 87401 Phone: 505-436-2281 www.northernedgenavajocasino.com Casino size: 86,000 sq. ft.

Gaming Machines 750 Table Games 16 GM: Gloria West

CITIES OF GOLD CASINO

Pueblo of Laguna

DANCING EAGLE CASINO

I-40, Exit 108, 166 Casa Blanca Rd. Albuquerque, NM 87121 Phone: 505-552-7777 www.dancingeaglecasino.com Casino size: 25,000 sq. ft.

Slots 620 GM: Don Billbrough Navajo Nation

FIRE ROCK NAVAJO CASINO

249 Route 118 East Church Rock, NM 87311 Phone: 505-905-7100 www.firerocknavajocasino.com Casino size: 64,000 sq. ft.

Slots 740 Table Games 8 Bingo 400 seats CEO: Robert Winter Navajo Nation

FLOWING WATER NAVAJO CASINO

2710 US Highway 64 Waterflow, NM 87421 Phone: 505-368-2300 Casino size: 11,000 sq. ft.

Gaming Machines 130 GM: Roland Jacobs Mescalero Apache Tribe

INN OF THE MOUNTAIN GODS RESORT & CASINO 287 Carrizo Canyon Rd. Route 4 Mescalero NM 88340 Phone: 505-464-7777 www.innofthemountaingods.com Inn of the Mountain Gods (273 rooms) Casino size: 38,000 sq. ft.

Slots 800 Table Games 20 COO: Frizzell Frizzell Jr. Pueblo of Isleta

ISLETA PALACE WEST I-74 State Road 45 Southwest Albuquerque, NM 87105 Phone: 505-869-4102 www.isleta.com/palacewest Slots 80 GM: Joanne Sanchez

NORTHERN EDGE NAVAJO CASINO

Pueblo of Isleta

ISLETA RESORT & CASINO

11000 Broadway Southeast Albuquerque, NM 87105 Phone: 505-724-3800 www.hardrockcasinoabq.com Casino size: 100,000 sq. ft.

Slots 1,700 Table Games 25 Bingo 2,500 seats CEO: Pamela Gallegos Pueblo of Pojoaque

KICKS 66

67 Ogo Wii Road Santa Fe, NM 87506 Phone: 505-455-9091 Casino size: 400 sq. ft.

Slots 9 GM: Pat Doherty

Pueblo of Laguna

ROUTE 66 CASINO

14500 Central Ave. SW Albuquerque, NM 87121 Phone: 505-352-7866 www.rt66casino.com Casino Size: 50,000 sq. ft.

Slots 1,700 Table Games 30 Bingo 600 seats President & CEO: Jerry Smith

Pueblo of San Juan

OH KAY CASINO RESORT HOTEL

Highway 68, Ohkay Owingeh, NM 87566-1270 Phone: 505-747-1668 www.ohkaycasinoresort.com Casino size: 30,000 sq. ft.

Best Western Hotel (101 rooms) Slots 600 Table Games 5 CEO: Ron Lovato

Pueblo of San Felipe

SAN FELIPE’S CASINO HOLLYWOOD

25 Hagon Rd., San Felipe Pueblo, NM 87001 Phone: 505-867-6700 www.sanfelipecasino.com Casino size: 22,000 sq. ft.

Slots 600 Table Games 7

GAMING LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL LLC

PROFILE

aming Laboratories International LLC delivers high-quality land-based, lottery G and iGaming testing, assessment and profes-

Committed To Integrity

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Besides testing and certification, GLI offers a wide range of professional services, including, but not limited to, consultation, auditing, field inspections, security audits, responsible gaming, project management and governance, risk and compliance. The company holds U.S. and international accreditations for compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, 17020 and 17065 standards for technical competence in the gaming, wagering and lottery industries.

In addition, GLI University, the company’s world-renowned training program, produces critical, in-depth seminars and events designed to empower attendees with industry fundamentals that will keep them on the leading edge of information and knowledge. GLI University hosted its 17th annual North American Regulators Roundtable in mid-March.

GLI’s expertise and experience in the gaming industry help provide clients with an unmatched competitive advantage.

For more information about GLI or its services, visit gaminglabs.com. www.tribalgovernmentgaming.com

57

TribalGovernment Gaming 2017 Directory

NEW MEXICO

TribalGovernment Gaming 2017 Directory

SANDIA RESORT & CASINO Pueblo of Sandia

Santa Clara Pueblo

Taos Pueblo

30 Rainbow Rd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87113 Phone: 505-796-7500 www.sandiaresortandcasino.com Casino size: 160,000 sq. ft.

Sandia Resort (228 rooms) Slots 2,200 Table Games 48 Bingo 450 seats GM: Michael Moore

460 N. Riverside Dr. Espanola, NM 87532 Phone: 505-747-0059 www.bigrockcasino.com Casino size: 36,000 sq. ft.

Santa Claran Hotel (124 rooms) Slots 600 Table Games 7 GM: Donovan York

700 Veterans Hwy. Taos, NM 87571-0777 Phone: 575-737-0777 www.taosmountaincasino.com Casino size: 10,000 sq. ft.

Slots 209 Table Games 4 GM: James McDermott

Pueblo of Santa Ana

SANTA ANA STAR CASINO

54 Jemez Canyon Dam Rd. Santa Ana Pueblo, NM 87004 Phone: 505-867-0000 www.santaanastar.com Casino size: 70,390 sq. ft.

Slots 1,420 Table Games 23 GM: John Cirrincione

SANTA CLARAN HOTEL CASINO

TAOS MOUNTAIN CASINO

Pueblo of Acoma

SKY CITY CASINO

I-140 Exit 102 Acoma, NM 87034-0310 Phone: 505-552-6017 www.skycity.com Casino size: 64,000 sq. ft.

Sky City Hotel (133 rooms) Slots 660 Table Games 10 Bingo 500 seats GM: David Baumgartner

GAMING PARTNERS INTERNATIONAL One-Stop Table Games Solutions

Class II & III

St. Regis Mohawk Nation

AKWESASNE MOHAWK CASINO

873 State Route 37 Hogansburg, NY 13655 Phone: 518-358-2222 www.mohawkcasino.com Casino Size: 52,500 sq. ft.

Slots 2,524 Table Games 31 GM: Patrick Bassney Seneca-Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma

LAKESIDE ENTERTAINMENT

Jicarilla Apache Nation

WILDHORSE CASINO & HOTEL

13603 US Hwy. 64 Dulce, NM 87529 Phone: 575-759-3170 Casino size: 8,872 Slots 190 Table Games 4 GM: Martha Loretta

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aming Partners G International manufactures and supplies a wide

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58 TRIBAL GOVERNMENT GAMING 2017

NEW YORK

271 Cayuga Street Union Springs, NY 13160 Phone: 315-889-5416 Slots 86 Seneca Nation

SENECA ALLEGANY CASINO & HOTEL

777 Seneca Allegany Blvd.

Salamanca, NY 14779 Phone: 716-945-3200 www.senecaalleganycasino.com Casino size: 68,300 sq. ft.

Seneca Allegany Hotel (212 rooms) Slots 2,000 Table Games 36 GM: Gus Tsivikis Seneca Nation

SENECA BUFFALO CREEK CASINO

1 Fulton St. Buffalo, NY 14201 Phone: 716-853-7576 Casino size: 47,300 sq. ft.

Slots 800 Table Games 18 GM: Jennifer Caruso

SENECA GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT- OIL SPRING Seneca Nation

5374 West Shore Rd. Cuba, NY 14727 Phone: 716-780-8787 www.senecagames.com/ oil-spring Casino size: 4,500 sq.ft.

Slots 111 Seneca Nation

SENECA NIAGARA CASINO & HOTEL

310 Fourth St. Niagara Falls, NY 14303 Phone: 716-299-1100 www.senecaniagaracasino.com Casino size: 147,590 sq. ft.

Hotel (604 rooms) Slots 4,000 Table Games 121 President: Cathy Walker

Oneida Indian Nation

TURNING STONE RESORT & CASINO

5218 Patrick Rd. Verona, NY 13478-3012 Phone: 315-361-7711 www.turningstone.com Casino size: 125,000 sq. ft.

Turning Stone Resort (702 rooms) Slots 2,200 Table Games 80 Bingo 1,400 seats COO: Pete Carmen

Seneca Nation

Oneida Indian Nation

11099 Erie St. Irving, NY 14081-9566 Phone: 716-549-4389 Casino size: 25,000 sq. ft.

Slots 500 Bingo 1,000 seats GM: Jeff Maracle

800 Genesee Street Chittenango, NY 13037 Phone: 315-366-9400 www.ybrcasino.com Casino size: 67,000 sq.ft.

Slots 450 Table Games 14 GM: Dan Jones

SENECA GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

Seneca Nation

SENECA GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

768 Broad St. Salamanca, NY 14779 Phone: 716-945-4080 Casino size: 15,000 sq. ft.

Slots 280 Poker 10 tables Bingo 450 seats GM: Lee Milk

YELLOW BRICK ROAD CASINO

NORTH CAROLINA Class II & III

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

CHEROKEE TRIBAL BINGO

19 Bingo Loop Road Highway 19 North Cherokee, NC 28719 Phone: 828-497-4320 Bingo 1,100 seats GM: Eliza Edwards

HARRAH’S CHEROKEE CASINO & HOTEL

777 Casino Dr. Cherokee, NC 28719-8735 Phone: 828-497-7777 www.harrahs.com Cherokee Casino Hotel (1,108 rooms) Slots 3,870 Table Games 140 Poker Tables 10 GM: Brooks Robinson

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

PRAIRIE KNIGHTS CASINO & RESORT

7932 Hwy. 24 Fort Yates, ND 58538 Phone: 701-854-7777 www.prairieknights.com Casino size: 46,500 sq. ft.

Prairie Knights Lodge (96 rooms) Slots 725 Table Games 6 GM: Everett Iron Eyes Jr.

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

HARRAH’S CHEROKEE VALLEY RIVER CASINO & HOTEL

777 Casino Parkway Murphy, NC 28906 Phone: 828-497-7777 www.caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee-valley-river Casino size: 50,000 sq.ft.

Hotel Rooms 300 Slots 1,010 Table Games 70 GM: Lumpy Lambert

NORTH DAKOTA Class II & III

Mandan, Hidatsa & Arikara Nation

4 BEARS CASINO & LODGE

202 Frontage Rd. New Town, ND 58763 Phone: 701-627-4018 www.4bearscasino.com Casino size: 120,000 sq. ft.

4 Bears Lodge (100 rooms) Slots 600 Table Games 12 GM: Patrick Packineau Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe

DAKOTA MAGIC CASINO & HOTEL

16849 102nd. St. SE Hankinson, ND 58041 Phone: 701-634-3000 www.dakotanationgaming.com Casino size: 95,175 sq. ft.

Dakota Magic Hotel (127 rooms) Slots 1,000 Table Games 12 GM: Cheryl Owen Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians

GRAND TREASURE CASINO

4418 147th Avenue NW Trenton, ND 58553 Phone: 701-572-2690 www.grandtreasurecasino.net Casino size: 5,000 sq. ft.

Slots 260 GM: Ray Trottier

Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians

SKY DANCER HOTEL & CASINO

Hwy. 5 West & County Rd. Belcourt, ND 58316 Phone: 701-244-2400 www.skydancercasino.com Casino size: 37,000 sq. ft.

Sky Dancer Hotel (96 rooms) Slots 727 Table Games 12 Bingo 500 seats GM: Richard McCloud Spirit Lake Sioux Tribe

SPIRIT LAKE CASINO & RESORT

7889 Hwy. 57 South St. Michael, ND 58370 Phone: 701-766-4747 www.spiritlakecasino.com Casino size: 49,000 sq. ft.

Spirit Lake Resort (124 rooms) Slots 718 Table Games 7 Bingo 500 seats GM: Phillip Longie

OKLAHOMA Class II & III

Otoe Missouria Tribe of Oklahoma

7 CLANS PARADISE CASINO

7500 Hwy. 177 Red Rock, OK 74651 Phone: 580-723-4005 www.okparadisecasino.com Casino size: 30,000 sq. ft.

Slots 500 Table Games 6 GM: Chris White Chickasaw Nation

ADA GAMING CENTER 1500 N. Country Club Rd. Ada, OK 74820-1862 Phone: 580-436-3740 www.chicksaw.net Casino size: 7,361 sq. ft.

Slots 300 Table Games 4 GM: Mark Prentice

Chickasaw Nation

Sac & Fox Nation

THE BLACK HAWK CASINO

ADA GAMING WEST

14565 County Road 3544 Ada, OK 74820 Phone: 580-310-0900 Casino size: 716 sq. ft.

Slots 129 GM: Bobby Burton Fort Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma

APACHE CASINO HOTEL

2315 East Gore Boulevard Lawton, OK 73501 Phone: 580-248-5905 www.apachecasinohotel.com Casino size: 23,500 sq. ft.

Slots 800 Table Games 9 GM: Craig Levesque

Chickasaw Nation

ARTESIAN HOTEL CASINO

23 W. Vinita Sulphur, OK 73086 Phone: 855-455-5255 www.artesianhotel.com Casino size: 15,318 sq. ft.

Slots 275 Table Games 4 GM: Angie Dickenson Chickasaw Nation

BLACK GOLD CASINO

288 Mulberry Lane Wilson, OK 73463 Phone: 580-668-4415 www.chickasaw.net Casino size: 3,744 sq. ft.

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BORDERTOWN BINGO & CASINO

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HBG Design recently was announced as the designer for Kaw Gaming’s proposed Rock & Brews Casino Resort, in Braman, Oklahoma, a brand cofounded by rock legends KISS. The firm eagerly awaits the spring 2017 project openings of the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino expansion, Buffalo, New York, and the Choctaw Grant Casino Resort expansion in Grant, Oklahoma. Recently completed projects include the coastal moderninspired Point Casino Hotel in Kingston, Washington and the Elvis-influenced Guest House at Graceland Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee.

For more information, visit hbg.design. www.tribalgovernmentgaming.com

59

TribalGovernment Gaming 2017 Directory

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

TribalGovernment Gaming 2017 Directory

Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma

BUFFALO RUN CASINO

Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

BORDERTOWN OUTPOST CASINO

69701 E. 100 Road Wyandotte, OK 74370 Phone: 918-666 6770 www.bordertownbingo.com Casino size: 3,000 sq. ft.

Gaming Machines 260 GM: Rick Smith Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

BROKEN BOW TRAVEL PLAZA

1800 South Park Drive Broken Bow, OK 74728 Phone: 580-584-2516 www.choctawcasinos.com Slots 40 GM: Amy Ward

1000 Buffalo Run Blvd.

Miami, OK 74354 Phone: 918-542-7140 www.buffalorun.com Casino size: 70,000 sq. ft.

Buffalo Run Hotel (100 rooms) Slots 800 Table Games 15 GM: Steve Bashore

Muscogee Creek Nation

Cherokee Nation

Cherokee Nation

830 N. Broadway Checotah, OK 74426-1103 Phone: 918-473-5200 Casino size: 9,000 sq. ft.

Slots 320 GM: Jason Larney

31501 Route 75 Ramona, OK 74061 Toll Free: 918-535-3800 www.cherokeestarewards.com Casino Size: 4,500 sq. ft.

Slots 500 GM: Martin Madewell

777 West Cherokee Street Catoosa, OK 74015 Phone: 918-384-7810 www.cherokeestarrewards.com Casino size: 1,728 sq. ft.

Slots 80

Cherokee Nation

Cherokee Nation

205 Cherokee Blvd.

Roland, OK 74954-1000 Phone: 918-427-7491 www.cherokeecasino.com Casino Size: 34,375 sq. ft.

Cherokee Casino Inn (44 Rooms) Slots 600 Table Games 8 GM: Rusty Stamps

22983 Brown Springs Rd. I35 and Exit 1 Thackerville, OK 73459 Phone: 580-276-4706 Casino size: 1,189 sq. ft.

Slots 34 GM: John DeMoss

CHECOTAH INDIAN COMMUNITY BINGO

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Delaware Nation

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IGT

Cherokee Nation

CHEROKEE CASINOFORT GIBSON

103 N. Georgetown Rd. Fort Gibson, OK 74434 Phone: 918-207-3593 www.cherokeecasino.com Casino size: 27,500 sq. ft.

Slots 500 GM: Willie Whitekiller

PROFILE NIGA: Booth 1035

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For more information, visit igt.com.

60 TRIBAL GOVERNMENT GAMING 2017

CHEROKEE CASINORAMONA

Cherokee Nation

CHEROKEE CASINOSALISAW

1621 W. Ruth St. Salisaw, OK 74955 Phone: 918-776-1600 www.cherokeecasino.com Casino size: 27,500 sq. ft.

Slots 250 GM: Rusty Stamps Cherokee Nation

CHEROKEE CASINOTAHLEQUAH

16489 Hwy. 62 Tahlequah, OK 74464 Phone: 918-207-3600 www.cherokeecasino.com Casino size: 20,000 sq. ft.

Slots 400 GM: Willie Whitekiller Cherokee Nation

CHEROKEE CASINOWEST SILOAM SPRINGS

2416 Hwy. 412, West Siloam Springs, OK 74338 Phone: 918-422-5100 www.cherokeecasino.com Casino size: 136,252 sq. ft.

Slots 1,500 Table Games 20 GM: Tony Magey Cherokee Nation

CHEROKEE CASINOWILL ROGERS DOWNS

20900 S. 4200 Rd. Claremore, OK 74017-4295 Phone: 918-283-8800 www.cherokeecasino.com Casino size: 27,126 sq. ft.

Slots 250 GM: Mike Wheeler

CHEROKEE NATION OUTPOST TOBACCO SHOP

CHICKASAW TRAVEL STOP—THACKERVILLE

Chickasaw Nation

CHISHOLM TRAIL CASINO

7807 North Highway 81 Duncan, OK 73533 Phone: 580-255-1668 www.chisholmtrailcasino.com Casino size: 22,000 sq. ft.

Slots 569 Table Games 4 GM: Tera Williams Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

CHOCTAW CASINOBROKEN BOW

1790 S. Park Dr. US Highway 259 Broken Bow, OK 74728 Phone: 580-584-5450 www.choctawcasinos.com Casino size: 27,000 sq. ft.

Hotel (102 rooms) Slots 400 GM: Lila Tucker Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

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4216 S. Hwy. 69/75 Durant, OK 74701-1987 Phone: 580-920-0160 Toll Free: 800-788-2464 www.choctawgaming.com Casino size: 120,000 sq. ft.

Hotel (330 rooms) Slots 3,700 Table Games 50 Bingo 600 seats GM: Misty Dillard Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

CHOCTAW CASINOGRANT

1516 US Highway 271 S. Grant, OK 74738-9802 Phone: 580-326-8398 www.choctawcasinos.com Casino size: 68,235 sq. ft.

Slots 1,200 Table Games 10 GM: Chris Scribirn

Muscogee Creek Nation

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1640 South George Nigh Expy. McAlester, OK 74501 Phone: 918-426-6404 www.choctawcasinos.com/ McAlester.aspx Casino size: 2,500 sq. ft.

Slots 85 GM: Jeff Tenz

121 W. Lincoln Bristow, OK 74010-3428 Phone: 918-367-9168 www.creeknationbristow.com Casino size: 8,500 sq. ft.

Slots 211 GM: David Warrior

806 Forest Ave. Eufaula, OK 74432 Phone: 918-689-9191 Casino size: 7,400 sq. ft.

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1100 S. Woody Guthrie Blvd.

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Slots 290 Bingo 110 seats GM: Lachrista Lollis

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1425 SE Washington St. Idabel, OK 74745-3447 Phone: 580-286-5710 Casino size: 35,000 sq. ft.

Slots 410 GM: Amy Ward Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

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1638 S. George Nigh Expy.

US Highway 69 McAlester, OK 74501 Phone: 918-423-8161 www.choctawcasinos.com Casino size: 30,000 sq. ft.

Slots 545 GM: Lila Tucker Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

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Slots 2,100 Table Games 10 GM: Christy Chaser Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

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Slots 200 GM: Mitch Milton Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

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895 N. Hwy. 69 Stringtown, OK 74569 Phone: 580-346-7862 www.choctawcasinos.com Casino size: 14,000 sq. ft.

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3402 Service Road Pocola, OK 74902 Phone: 918-436-2425 www.choctawcasinos.com Casino size: 1,666 sq. ft.

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CREEK NATION CASINO-BRISTOW

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CIMARRON CASINO

821 W. Freeman Ave. Perkins, OK 74059 Phone: 405-547-5352 Casino size: 25,000 sq. ft.

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COMANCHE NATION CASINO

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COMANCHE RED RIVER CASINO

Hwy. 36 & Hwy. 70 Devol, OK 73531 Phone: 580-299-3378 www.crrcasino.com Casino size: 52,500 sq. ft.

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COMANCHE SPUR SMOKE SHOP & CASINO

9047 US Highway 62 Elgin, OK 73538-9748 Phone: 580-492-5502 www.comanchespur.com Casino size: 2,400 sq. ft.

Slots 141 GM: Forney Beaver Comanche Nation

COMANCHE STAR CASINO & SMOKE SHOP

PO Box 82A, Route 3 Walters, OK 73572 Phone: 580-875-3208 www.comanchenation.com Casino size: 33,000 sq. ft.

Slots 133 GM: Trish Murphy

CREEK NATION CASINO-EUFAULA

Muscogee Creek Nation

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CREEK NATION CASINO-DUCK CREEK

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Muscogee Creek Nation

CREEK NATION CASINO-MUSCOGEE

3420 W. Peak Blvd.

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Slots 600 Table Games 15 Bingo 300 seats GM: Farrell Kaaihue

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Muscogee Creek Nation

CREEK NATION CASINO-OKMULGEE

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he Innovation Group has worked with more than 100 Native American T and First Nation tribes in more than 25 states and provinces throughout North America. Bringing to life some of the world’s largest entertainment and

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Global Reach: Having grown multibillion-dollar developments all over the world, this team understands the trends, demographics, cultural forces and best practices at work.

With activity having shifted from the construction of new bricks-and-mortar properties to more efficient technologies and less reliance on capital, The Innovation Group helps clients build out instead of up, taking into account the shift in demand from gaming to non-gaming activities.

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Collaborating with clients from vision to fruition, The Innovation Group’s experts work alongside stakeholders to help create and operate destinations that surpass the dreams that started them all.

For more information, visit theinnovationgroup.com. www.tribalgovernmentgaming.com

61

TribalGovernment Gaming 2017 Directory

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

TribalGovernment Gaming 2017 Directory

Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma

FEATHER WARRIOR CASINO-WATONGA

Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma

DOWNSTREAM CASINO RESORT

Route 44 and US Route 166 Quapaw, OK 74363 Phone: 918-919-6000 www.downstreamcasino.com Casino size: 70,000 sq. ft.

The Hotel (222 rooms) Slots 2,000 Table Games 36 GM: Jani Cummings Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma

FEATHER WARRIOR CASINO-CANTON

1407 S. Clarence Nash Blvd.

Watonga, OK 73772 Phone: 580-623-7333 www.featherwarrior.com Casino size: 2,200 sq. ft.

Slots 300 GM: Gloria Smith

Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Oklahoma

FIRST COUNCIL CASINO

12875 North Highway 77 Newkirk, OK 74647 Phone: 580-448-3015 www.firstcouncilcasinohotel.com Slots 1,400 GM: Jim Grant

Citizen Potawatomi Nation

301 NE Lake Rd. Canton, OK 73724 Phone: 580-886-2490 www.featherwarrior.com Slots 300 GM: Gloria Smith

Fort Sill Apache Tribe

FORT SILL APACHE CASINO

2315 E. Gore Blvd.

Lawton, OK 73502 Phone: 580-248-5905 www.fortsillapachecasino.com Casino size: 23,500 sq. ft.

Slots 650 Table Games 11 GM: Ken Gooden

NOVOMATIC AMERICAS

PROFILE

proven-performing gaming experiences of N its parent company, industry giant Novomatic

The Upward Trajectory Continues ovomatic Americas LLC brings the

Group, to the North American and Caribbean markets. By leveraging the design, market research and experience of Austrian-based Novomatic Group, Novomatic Americas focuses on developing products that are tailormade for North American jurisdictions.

Novomatic Americas always has placed a great importance on its relationship with tribal gaming. NIGA 2017 will be the subsidiaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fourth appearance at the trade show, and this year Novomatic Americas will showcase its player-friendly cabinet designs, successful game themes and innovative new product lines.

Leading the NIGA product lineup will be the V.I.P. experience, including the V.I.P. Lounge, which provides innovative player comfort in an intuitive, easy-to-navigate design that enhances any gaming environment.

Dominator Curve, with more than 10 exclusive themes, features ergonomic design elements plus the advantage of a curved, 40-inch, high-definition vertical touch screen. The Dominator Curve display at NIGA will feature a wide range of stand-alone base themes including the wildly popular Asian Fortunes, as well as exciting and engaging entertainment packages.

The World Championship of Slots will be featured prominently, with a reel competition package that includes prizes and a true game-show experience.

Jackpot Edition, a three-level stand-alone progressive option designed to enhance Novomatic base themes, continues its success and will be present at the booth. This progressive option is compatible with all Novo line base themes.

At NIGA 2017, Novomatic Americas will continue to show all tribal government gaming attendees that it has launched several solid performers as it continues its upward trajectory in North America.

For more information, visit novomaticamericas.com or contact Rick Meitzler at 224-802-2974.

62 TRIBAL GOVERNMENT GAMING 2017

GOLD MOUNTAIN CASINO

1410 Sam Noble Parkway Ardmore, OK 73401 Phone: 580-223-3301 www.chickasaw.net Casino Size: 8,324 sq. ft.

Slots 280 GM: Maggie Hart Delaware Tribe of Western Oklahoma

GOLD RIVER CASINO

FIRELAKE CASINO

41207 Hardesty Rd. Shawnee, OK 74801-8669 Phone: 405-878-4862 www.winatfirelake.com Casino size: 50,000 sq. ft.

Slots 725 Table Games 8 Bingo 500 seats GM: Linda Canada

Chickasaw Nation

Highway 281 Anadarko, OK 73005-0806 Phone: 405-247-6979 www.goldriverok.com Casino size: 21,000 sq. ft.

Slots 400 Table Games 4 GM: Doug Sweeney Thlopthlocco Tribal Town

GOLDEN PONY CASINO

Interstate 40, Exit 227 Okemah, OK 74859-0188 Phone: 918-560-6199 Casino size: 10,000 sq. ft.

Slots 4,390 GM: Jason Larney Chickasaw Nation

GOLDSBY GAMING CENTER

1038 W. Sycamore Rd. Norman, OK 73072-9801 Phone: 405-329-5447 www.chickasaw.net Casino size: 15,462 sq. ft.

Slots 333 Bingo 300 seats GM: Jan Folk Citizen Potawatomi Nation

GRAND CASINO HOTEL RESORT

777 Grand Casino Blvd.

Shawnee, OK 74801 Phone: 405-964-7263 www.firelakegrand.com Casino size: 125,000 sq. ft.

Slots 1,800 Table Games 20 GM: Steve Degraffenreid Seneca-Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma

GRAND LAKE CASINO

Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma

HIGH WINDS CASINO

61475 E. 100 Rd. Miami, OK 74354 Phone: 918-541-9463 www.highwindscasino.net Casino size: 35,000 sq. ft.

Slots 500 GM: Frank Haas Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

INDIGO SKY CASINO

70220 East Highway 60 Wyandotte, OK 74370 Phone: 918-666-9200 www.indigoskycasino.com Casino size: 45,000 sq. ft.

Slots 1,270 Table Games 14 GM: Rick Smith Kaw Nation of Oklahoma

KAW SOUTHWIND CASINO

5640 N. LaCann Dr. Newkirk, OK 74647 Phone: 580-362-2578 www.southwindcasino.com Casino size: 55,000 sq. ft.

Slots 660 Table Games 6 Bingo 700 seats GM: Pamela Shaw United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians

KEETOOWAH CHEROKEE CASINO

2450 S. Muskogee Ave. Tahlequah, OK 74464 Phone: 918-456-6131 www.keetoowahgaming.com Casino size: 18,000 sq. ft.

Slots 500 GM: Rodney Fourkiller Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma

KICKAPOO CASINO

25230 E. Hwy. 62 Harrah, OK 73045 Phone: 405-964-4444 www.kickapoo-casino.com Casino size: 18,000 sq. ft.

Slots 600 Table Games 8 GM: Che Downs Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma

KIOWA CASINO

24701 S. 655th Rd. Grove, OK 74344-4012 Phone: 918-786-8528 www.grandlakecasino.com Casino size: 46,000 sq. ft.

Slots 841 Table Games 8 GM: Joanna Hadley

36 E. 1980 Rd. Devol, OK 73531 Phone: 580-299-3333 www.kiowacasino.com Casino size: 64,000 sq. ft.

Slots 973 Table Games 10 GM: James LaPorte

Cherokee Nation

Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma

HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO TULSA

777 W. Cherokee St. Catoosa, OK 74015-3235 Phone: 918-384-7800 www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com Casino size: 125,000 sq. ft.

Slots 2,000 Table Games 24 GM: Gary Widdell

LUCKY STAR CASINO-CLINTON

101 N. Indian Hospital Rd. Clinton, OK 73601 Phone: 580-323-6599 www.luckystarcasino.org Casino size: 13,000 sq ft.

Slots 700 Table Games 6 GM: Jason Goodblanket

LUCKY STAR CASINO -CONCHO

7777 N. Hwy. 81 Concho, OK 73022 Phone: 405-262-7612 www.luckystarcasino.org Casino size: 40,000 sq. ft.

Slots 1,474 Table Games 6 Wyandotte Tribe of Oklahoma

LUCKY TURTLE CASINO

64499 E. Hwy. 60 Wyandotte, OK 74370 Phone: 918-678-3767 Casino size: 3,000 sq. ft.

Slots 113 GM: Gary Johnson Tonkawa Tribe of Oklahoma

NATIVE LIGHTS CASINO

12375 N. Hwy. 77 Newkirk, OK 74647 Phone: 580-448-3100 www.nativelightscasino.com Casino size: 22,500 sq. ft.

Slots 560 GM: Phil Glass Chickasaw Nation

NEWCASTLE GAMING CENTER

2457 N. Main St. Route 62 & Interstate 44 Newcastle, OK 73065 Phone: 405-387-6013 www.chickasaw.net Casino size: 64,708 sq. ft.

Slots 2,480 Table Games 13 GM: Ryan Sykes Muscogee (Creek) Nation

ONE FIRE CASINO

1901 North Wood Drive Okmulgee, OK 74447 Phone: 918-756-8400 www.onefirecasino.com Casino size: 11,000 sq. ft.

Slots 350 GM: Travis Thompson Osage Nation

OSAGE CASINO -BARTLESVILLE

222 Allen Rd. Bartlesville, OK 76003 Phone: 918-699-7777 www.milliondollarelm.com Casino size: 42,000 sq. ft.

Slots 440 Table Games 7 GM: Ressa Files Osage Nation

OSAGE CASINO -HOMINY

Osage Industrial Park Cupid Building Hominy, OK 74035 Phone: 918-885-2990 www.milliondollarelm.com Slots 220 GM: John Shaw

Osage Nation

Quapaw Tribe

2017 E. 15th St. Pawhuska, OK 74056 Phone: 918-287-9009 www.milliondollarelm.com Slots 178 GM: Eli Red Eagle

58100 E. 64th Rd. Miami, OK 74354 Phone: 918-540-9100 www.quapawcasino.com Casino size: 27,000 sq. ft.

Slots 525 Table Games 7 GM: Kirk Myrick

OSAGE CASINOPAWHUSKA

Osage Nation

OSAGE CASINOPONCA CITY

Muscogee Creek Nation

RIVER SPIRIT CASINO

73 N. City View Rd. Ponca City, OK 74604 Phone: 580-765-2973 www.milliondollarelm.com Casino size: 7,700 sq. ft.

Slots 221 GM: Jennifer Sword

1616 E. 81st St. Tulsa, OK 74137-1215 Phone: 918-299-8518 www.creeknationcasino.com Casino size: 300,000 sq. ft.

Slots 2,630 Table Games 23 GM: Jerry Floyd

Osage Nation

Seminole Nation of Oklahoma

OSAGE CASINO-SAND SPRINGS

301 N. Blackjack Dr. Sand Springs, OK 74063 Phone: 918-699-7777 www.milliondollarelm.com Casino size: 25,000 sq. ft.

Slots 460 Table Games 4 GM: Byron Bighorse Osage Nation

OSAGE CASINOSKIATOOK

6455 W. Rogers Blvd.

Skiatook, OK 74070 Phone: 918-396-2626 www.milliondollarelm.com Slots 190 GM: Edward Grey Osage Nation

OSAGE CASINOTULSA

951 W. 36th St. North Tulsa, OK 74127 Phone: 918-669-7600 www.milliondollarelm.com Casino size: 47,000 sq. ft.

Slots 1,000 Table Games 11 GM: Stephen Burris Miami Tribe of Oklahoma

PRAIRIE MOON CASINO

202 South 8 Tribes Trail Miami, OK 74354 Phone: 918-542-8670 www.miaminationcasinos.com Slots 123 GM: Ben Barnes Miami Tribe of Oklahoma

PRAIRIE SUN CASINO 3411 P Street Northwest Miami, OK 74354 Phone: 918-541-2150 www.miaminationcasinos.com Casino size: 11,000 sq. ft.

Slots 252 GM: Ben Barnes

Sac and Fox Nation of Oklahoma

QUAPAW CASINO

RIVERMIST CASINO

Intersection Hwy. 56 and 99, Konawa, OK 74849 Phone: 580-925-3994 www.seminolenation.com Casino Size: 5,500 sq. ft.

Slots 150 GM: Russell Martin

SAC AND FOX CASINO-STROUD

Chickasaw Nation

RIVERWIND CASINO

1544 West State Highway 9 Norman, OK 73071 Phone: 580-436-2603 www.chickasaw.net Casino Size: 219,000 sq. ft.

Slots 2,725 Table Games 40 GM: Jack Parkinson Sac and Fox Nation of Oklahoma

SAC AND FOX CASINO -SHAWNEE

42008 Westech Rd. Shawnee, OK 74804 Phone: 405-275-4700 www.sandfcasino.com Casino size: 35,000 sq. ft.

Slots 680

Highway 99 Stroud, OK 74079 Phone: 918-968-2540 www.sandfcasino.com Casino size: 825 sq. ft.

Slots 161 Chickasaw Nation

SALTCREEK CASINO

1600 Highway 81 Pocasset, OK 73079 Phone: 405-459-4000 www.saltcreekcasino.com Casino size: 33,800 sq. ft.

Slots 560 Table Games 6 GM: Justin Yahola Apache Tribe of Oklahoma

SILVER BUFFALO CASINO

620 E. Colorado Dr. Anadarko, OK 73005-5219 Phone: 405-247-5471 www.silverbuffalocasino.com Casino size: 7,942 sq. ft.

Slots 350 GM: Jim Rider

PATIR CASINO SEATING

PROFILE

mart casino operators know every customer is a VIP whose comfort comes first. That starts with seating. For more than 20 years, Patir S Casino Seating has created premier seating for the casino and hospitality

The Art of Casino Chair Design

industries.

“Player seating is subject to constant wear and tear,” says Natalie Heldt, sales director for the firm’s Las Vegas branch. “It must be manufactured according to the highest quality standards with fabrics that are exceptionally robust. Comfort has a direct influence on the length of stay at the machine.”

Patir seating is known for its beauty, function and flexibility. Consider the recent Noblesse Collection, with quality finishes and accessories including: • Stylish metal hand-pulls for easy movement • Elegant quilted patterns on backrest covers • High-gloss mahogany finish on the collection’s wooden chairs • An innovative new material, Depar, with improved flexing endurance, tear strength and color fastness Patir can customize seating from existing bases and upper seating components, or create exclusive seating just for your property.

Patir casino seating makes the difference—on the floor and in the bottom line.

For more information, visit patirseating.com or contact info@patirseating.com or 702-771-0063. www.tribalgovernmentgaming.com

63

TribalGovernment Gaming 2017 Directory

Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma

TribalGovernment Gaming 2017 Directory

Miami Nation of Oklahoma

THE STABLES CASINO

530 H St. SE Miami, OK 74354-8224 Phone: 918-542-7884 www.the-stables.com Casino size: 25,000 sq. ft.

Slots 570 Table Games 4 GM: J. Mark Whitely Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma

STONE WOLF CASINO & GRILL

54251 South 349th Road Pawnee, OK 74058 Phone: 918-454-7777 www.stonewolfcasino.com Casino size: 10,000 sq. ft.

Gaming Machines 216 GM: Joe Hawkins Wichita & Affiliated Tribes

SUGAR CREEK CASINO

Interstate 40 Exit 101 5304 North Broadway Ave. Hinton, OK 73047 Phone 405-542-2946 www.sugarcreekcasino.net Slots 700 Table Games 4 GM: Glen Coleman

Chickasaw Nation

Chickasaw Nation

TEXOMA GAMING CENTER

1795 Highway 70 East Kingston, OK 73439 Phone: 580-564-6000 www.chickasaw.net Casino size: 5,440 Slots 365 GM: Angie Perry Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

THUNDERBIRD CASINO

15700 E. State Hwy. 9 Norman, OK 73026-9028 Phone: 405-360-9270 www.astribe.com/businesses.html Casino size: 40,000 sq. ft.

Slots 700 Table Games 10 GM: Dylan Byrd

TREASURE VALLEY CASINO

Tonkawa Tribe of Oklahoma

TONKAWA CASINO

10700 Allen Dr. Tonkawa, OK 74653 Phone: 580-628-2624 www.tonkawacasino.com Casino size: 10,200 sq. ft.

Slots 390 Table Games 3 GM: Patrick Waldroup Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma

TRADING POST CASINO

291 Agency Road Pawnee, OK 74058 Phone: 918-762-4466 Casino size: 3,500 sq. ft.

Slots 80 GM: Arthur Attocknie

PROFILE

PURCHASING MANAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL

International is the leading FF&E P and OS&E purchasing company in the

Accuracy, Integrity and Buying Power urchasing Management

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The company has purchased and installed more than $3 billion in hotel, resort and casino furnishings, operating equipment and systems worldwide.

PMI’s services include FF&E and OS&E purchasing for renovation and new construction, operating supplies purchasing and advisory services for capital budgeting, inventories and due diligence for acquisitions and valuations.

PMI expertly advises Indian gaming clients, tribal associations and native nations as part of their economic development activities. PMI has successfully worked with tribal organizations such Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, Cherokee Nation, Comanche Nation, Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Gila River Indian Community, Yavapi Nation, Pueblo of Sandia, Choctaw of Mississippi and Choctaw of Oklahoma.

PMI uses a unique purchasing management system to deliver the speed and accuracy required by gaming projects. PMI’s experienced staff is the best in the industry, and has deep vendor knowledge plus the creativity to keep projects moving forward under the pressure of a gaming project’s requirements. PMI’s system of checks and balances includes a separate expediting department to control the custom approval process, project deliveries and final delivery costs. Time and again, PMI saves clients money and time.

PMI’s mission is to provide a select number of clients worldwide with its proven purchasing, renovation and technical expertise at the best quality and pricing obtainable in the industry.

For more information, visit pmiconnect.com.

64 TRIBAL GOVERNMENT GAMING 2017

I-35, Exit 55 (Highway 7) Davis, OK 73030 Phone: 580-369-2895 www.chickasaw.net Casino size: 9,440 sq. ft.

Inn at Treasure Valley (59 rooms) Slots 400 Table Games 4 GM: Christina DeMoss Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma

TWO RIVERS CASINO

20 White Eagle Drive Ponca City, OK 74601 Phone: 580-762-5444 Casino Size: 20,000 sq.ft.

Slots 275 Bingo 300 seats GM: Gary Watkins Chickasaw Nation

WINSTAR WORLD CASINO

777 Casino Ave., Interstate 35 Thackerville, OK 73459 Phone: 580-276-4229 www.winstarworldcasino.com Casino size: 249,000 sq. ft.

WinStar World Hotel (395 rooms) Slots 7,500 Table Games 98 Poker Tables 45 Bingo 800 seats GM: Wayne McCormick Wyandotte Tribe of Oklahoma

WYANDOTTE NATION CASINO

100 Jackpot Place Wyandotte, OK 74370 Phone: 918-678-4946 www.wyandottecasinos.com Casino size: 30,000 sq. ft.

Slots 500 Table Games 5 GM: Gary Johnson

OREGON Class II & III

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

CHINOOK WINDS CASINO RESORT

1777 NW 44th St. Lincoln City, OR 97367 Phone: 541-996-5825 www.chinookwindscasino.com Casino size: 30,000 sq. ft.

Chinook Winds Resort (227 rooms) Slots 1,116 Table Games 23 Bingo 400 seats GM: Mike Fisher

Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs

INDIAN HEAD CASINO

3236 US Highway 26 Warm Springs, OR 97761 Phone: 541-460-7777 www.indianheadgaming.com Casino size: 40,000 sq. ft.

Gaming Machines 500 GM: Ken Billingsley Klamath Tribe

KLA-MO-YA CASINO

34333 Hwy. 97 North Chiloquin, OR 97624-8747 Phone: 541-783-7529 www.klamoyacasino.com Casino size: 18,000 sq. ft.

Slots 350 Table Games 3 Chairman: Judith McClane Coquille Indian Tribe

THE MILL CASINO HOTEL

3201 N. Tremont Ave. North Bend, OR 97459 Phone: 541-756-8800 www.themillcasino.com Casino size: 40,000 sq. ft.

The Mill Casino Hotel (98 rooms) Slots 720 Table Games 10 GM: Terri Porcaro Burns Paiute Tribe

OLD CAMP CASINO

2205 W. Monroe St. Burns, OR 97720-1950 Phone: 541-573-1500 www.oldcampcasino.com Casino size: 17,000 sq. ft.

Slots 110 Interim GM: Pamela Sherbarn Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians

SEVEN FEATHERS CASINO RESORT

146 Chief Miwaleta Ln. Canyonville, OR 97417 Phone: 541-839-1111 www.sevenfeathers.com Casino size: 68,441 sq. ft.

Seven Feathers Hotel (286 rooms plus 12 suites) Slots 1,100 Table Games 20 Bingo 320 seats GM: Bruce Schoneboom Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde

SPIRIT MOUNTAIN CASINO-WILLAMINA

27100 SW Salmon River Hwy. Willamina, OR 97396 Phone: 503-879-2350 www.spiritmountain.com Casino size: 193,200 sq. ft.

Spirit Mountain Lodge (254 rooms) Slots 2,000 Table Games 18 COO: Stan Dillon

FORT RANDALL CASINO

Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians

THREE RIVERS CASINO & HOTEL

5647 Hwy. 126 Florence, OR 97439 Phone: 541-997-7529 www.threeriverscasino.com Casino size: 90,000 sq. ft.

Three Rivers Hotel (93 rooms) Slots 700 Table Games 11 Bingo 500 seats COO: Mike Rose Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation

WILDHORSE RESORT & CASINO

72777 Hwy. 331 Pendleton, OR 97801 Phone: 541-278-2274 www.wildhorseresort.com Casino size: 113,000 sq. ft.

Wildhorse Hotel (100 rooms) RV Park (100) Slots 1,200 Table Games 12 Bingo 400 seats GM: Allen Tovey

SOUTH DAKOTA

538 E. Hwy. 46 Pickstown, SD 57367 Phone: 605-487-7871 www.fortrandall.com Casino size: 38,092 sq. ft.

Fort Randall Hotel (56 rooms) Slots 276 Table Games 10 Bingo 250 seats GM: Ward Zephier Lower Brule Sioux Tribe

GOLDEN BUFFALO CASINO RESORT

321 Sitting Bull St. Lower Brule, SD 57548 Phone: 605-473-5577 www.lbst.org Casino size: 9,000 sq. ft.

Golden Buffalo Hotel (38 rooms) Slots 205 Bingo 100 seats GM: Darrell Hermin Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

GRAND RIVER CASINO & RESORT

27903 Hwy. 12 Mobridge, SD 57601 Phone: 605-845-7104 www.grandrivercasino.com Casino size: 40,000 sq. ft.

Grand River Resort (40 rooms) Slots 250 Table Games 5 GM: Ivan White Mountain

Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe

ROYAL RIVER CASINO & HOTEL

607 S. Veterans St. Flandreau, SD 57028 Phone: 605-997-3746 www.royalrivercasino.com Casino size: 17,000 sq. ft.

Royal River Motel (120 rooms) Slots 352 Table Games 10 GM: Steven Christenson Rosebud Sioux Tribe

TURTLE CREEK CROSSING CASINO 28281 US Highway 18 Mission, SD 57555 Phone: 605-856-2329 Slots 26 GM: Trent Poignee

TEXAS Class II

Stillaguamish Tribe

Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas

3438 Stoluckquamish Ln. Arlington, WA 98223 Phone: 360-474-9740 www.angelofthewinds.com Casino size: 112,000 sq. ft.

Slots 1,101 Table Games 12 GM: Travis O’Neil

KICKAPOO LUCKY EAGLE CASINO

7777 Lucky Eagle Drive Eagle Pass, TX 78852 Phone: 830-758-1936 www.luckyeagletexas.com Casino size: 115,000 sq. ft.

Slots 2,786 Table Games 34 GM: Robin Miller

WASHINGTON Class II & III

Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe

7 CEDARS CASINO

270756 Hwy. 101 Sequim, WA 98382-7677 Phone: 360-683-7777 www.7cedarscasino.com Casino size: 63,000 sq. ft.

Slots 586 Table Games 13 Bingo 250 seats CEO: Jerry Allen

ANGEL OF THE WINDS CASINO

Puyallup Tribe of Indians

BJ’s BINGO

4411 Pacific Hwy. East Fife, WA 98424 Phone: 253-922-0430 www.bjs-bingo.com Slots 200 Bingo 600 seats GM: Jenynne DeNoble Spokane Tribe

CHEWELAH CASINO

2555 Smith Rd. Highway 395 South Chewelah, WA 99109 Phone: 509-935-6167 www.chewelahcasino.com Casino size: 15,000 sq. ft.

Slots 400 Table Games 5 GM: Karen Flett

RYMAX MARKETING

PROFILE

Award-Winning Loyalty Programs

Class II & III

Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate

DAKOTA CONNECTION CASINO & TRAVEL PLAZA

46102 SD Highway 10 Sisseton, SD 57262 Phone: 605-698-4273 www.dakotaconnection.com Casino size: 20,000 sq. ft.

Slots 50 Bingo 300 seats Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate

DAKOTA SIOUX CASINO & Hotel

16415 Sioux Conifer Rd. Watertown, SD 57201-7321 Phone: 605-884-1700 www.dakotasioux.com Casino size: 8,730 sq. ft.

Hotel (92 rooms) Slots 364 Table Games 1 GM: John Rondell Oglala Sioux Tribe

EAST WIND CASINO US Highway 18 Martin, SD 57551 Phone: 605-685-1140 Slots 100 GM: Kevin Lien

Crow Creek Sioux Tribe

LODE STAR CASINO & HOTEL

Highway 34 and Highway 47 Fort Thompson, SD 57339-0050 Phone: 605-245-6000 www.lodestarcasino.com Casino size: 27,500 sq. ft.

Lode Star Hotel (51 rooms) Slots 250 Table Games 7 GM: Carrie Donner Oglala Sioux Tribe

PRAIRIE WIND CASINO

Highway 18 Pine Ridge, SD 57770 Phone: 605-867-6300 www.prairiewindcasino.com Casino size: 30,000 sq. ft.

Slots 280 Table Games 6 GM: Kevin Lien

Marketing Services develops and manages award-winning R ymax player and employee loyalty programs for the gaming industry’s

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For more information, visit rymaxinc.com. www.tribalgovernmentgaming.com

65

TribalGovernment Gaming 2017 Directory

Yankton Sioux Tribe

TribalGovernment Gaming 2017 Directory

Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation

Puyallup Tribe of Indians

515 Birch St. Coulee Dam, WA 99116 Phone: 509-633-0766 www.colvillecasinos.com Casino size: 5,000 sq. ft.

Gaming Machines 170 GM: Randy Williams

2024 E. 29th St. Tacoma, WA 98404 Phone: 253-594-7777 www.emeraldqueen.com Casino size: 50,000 sq. ft.

Hotel (100 Rooms) Slots 1,680 Table Games 57 GM: George Robinson

COULEE DAM CASINO

Suquamish Tribe

CLEARWATER CASINO

15347 Suquamish Way Suquamish, WA 98392 Phone: 360-598-8700 www.clearwatercasino.com Casino size: 33,000 sq. ft.

Slots 1,200 Table Games 35 GM: Nic Armstrong Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe

ELWHA RIVER CASINO

631 Stratton Rd. Port Angeles, WA 98363 Phone: 360-452-3005 www.elwharivercasino.com Casino size: 7,000 sq. ft.

Slots 150 GM: Damonn Safranek

EMERALD QUEEN CASINO I-5

Puyallup Tribe of Indians

EMERALD QUEEN HOTEL & CASINO

5700 Pacific Hwy. East Fife, WA 98424 Phone: 253-922-2000 www.emeraldqueen.com Emerald Queen Hotel (140 rooms) Casino size: 33,000 sq. ft.

Slots 1,820 GM: George Robinson

SCIENTIFIC GAMES

Squaxin Island Tribe

LITTLE CREEK CASINO

91 W. State Route 108 Shelton, WA 98584 Phone: 360-427-7711 www.little-creek.com Casino size: 21,000 sq. ft.

Slots 1,073 Table Games 21 Bingo 300 seats CEO: Michael Starr

12888 188th St. Southwest Rochester, WA 98579 Phone: 360-273-2000 www.luckyeagle.com Casino size: 30,000 sq. ft.

Slots 975 Table Games 16 Bingo 600 seats GM: John Setterstrom

5048 Mount Baker Hwy. Deming, WA 98244-0248 Phone: 360-592-5472 www.nooksackcasino.com Casino size: 20,160 sq. ft.

Slots 260 GM: Gary Kitner

Skokomish Tribe

LUCKY DOG CASINO

19330 N. Hwy. 101 Shelton, WA 98584-9781 Phone: 360-877-5656 www.theluckydogcasino.com Casino size: 50,000 sq. ft.

Slots 200 Table Games 9 GM: David Owens

PROFILE

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Scientific Games has a vast portfolio of games and game platforms for every casino and every player, utilizing engaging play mechanics and proven math to give players an interactive entertainment experience.

For more information, visit scientificgames.com.

66 TRIBAL GOVERNMENT GAMING 2017

Nooksack Tribe

LUCKY EAGLE CASINO

Across-The-Floor Innovations

Games is an indusS cientific try visionary, raising the bar

Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation

Colville Confederated Tribes

MILL BAY CASINO

455 Wapato Lake Rd. Manson, WA 98831-9577 Phone: 509-687-2102 www.colvillecasinos.com Casino size: 35,000 sq. ft.

Slots 613 Table Games 8 Muckleshoot Indian Tribe

MUCKLESHOOT CASINO

2402 Auburn Way South Auburn, WA 98002-6370 Phone: 253-804-4444 www.muckleshootcasino.com Casino size: 328,000 sq. ft.

Slots 3,100 Table Games 120 GM: Conrad Granito Muckleshoot Indian Tribe

MUCKLESHOOT INDIAN BINGO

2117 Auburn Way South Auburn, WA 98002 Phone: 253-735-2404 www.muckleshootbingo.com Slots 400 Bingo seats 1,000 GM: Ray Jerry Nisqually Tribe

NISQUALLY RED WIND CASINO

12819 Yelm Hwy. Southeast Olympia, WA 98513-9111 Phone: 360-412-5000 www.redwindcasino.com Casino size: 95,000 sq. ft.

Slots 975 Table Games 10 GM: Cheebo Frazier Nooksack Indian Tribe

NOOKSACK NORTHWOOD CASINO

9750 Northwood Rd. Lynden, WA 98264 Phone: 360-734-5101 www.northwood-casino.com Casino size: 30,000 sq. ft.

Slots 400 GM: Ron Magill

NOOKSACK RIVER CASINO

Kalispel Tribe

NORTHERN QUEST RESORT & CASINO

100 N. Hayford Rd. Airway Heights, WA 99001 Phone: 509-242-7000 www.northernquest.com Casino size: 195,000 sq. ft.

Slots 1,700 Table Games 37 Bingo 250 seats COO: Kent Caputo Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation

OKANOGAN BINGO CASINO

41 Apple Way Rd. Okanogan, WA 98840 Phone: 509-422-4646 www.colvillecasinos.com Casino size: 25,000 sq. ft.

Slots 500 Bingo 250 seats GM: Randy Williams Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe

THE POINT CASINO

7989 Salish Lane Northeast Kingston, WA 98346 Phone: 360-297-0070 www.the-point-casino.com Casino size: 52,400 sq. ft.

Slots 653 Table Games 12 GM: Leo Culloo Tulalip Tribes

QUIL CEDA CREEK NIGHTCLUB & CASINO

6410 33rd Ave. Northeast Tulalip, WA 98271 Phone: 360-651-1111 www.qcccasino.com Casino size: 52,000 sq. ft.

Tulalip Resort & Spa (370 rooms) Slots 1,192 Table Games 12 President: Ken Kettler Quinault Tribe

QUINAULT BEACH RESORT & CASINO

78 State Route 115 Ocean Shores, WA 98569 Phone: 360-289-9466 www.quinaultbeachresort.com Casino size: 16,000 sq. ft.

Quinault Beach Resort (159 rooms) Slots 501 Table Games 14 COO: Warren Shale

SHOALWATER BAY CASINO

4112 Hwy. 105 Tokeland, WA 98590 Phone: 360-267-2048 www.shoalwaterbaycasino.com Casino size: 12,000 sq. ft.

Hotel (15 rooms) Slots 318 Table Games 4 GM: David McGee Lummi Nation

SILVER REEF CASINO

Tulalip Tribe

TULALIP RESORT CASINO

10200 Quil Ceda Blvd.

Tulalip, WA 98172-7413 Phone: 360-716-6000 www.tulalipresort.com Casino size: 222,000 sq. ft.

Gaming Machines 2,346 Table Games 37 Bingo Seats 870 COO: Ken Kettler Spokane Tribe

TWO RIVERS CASINO & RESORT

4876 Haxton Way Ferndale, WA 98248 Phone: 360-383-0777 www.silverreefcasino.com Casino size: 50,000 sq. ft.

Hotel (105 rooms) Slots 1,200 Table Games 20 GM: Harlan G. Oppenheim

6828 B Hwy. 25 South Davenport, WA 99122 Phone: 509-722-4000 www.two-rivers-casino.com Casino size: 10,000 sq. ft.

Hotel (101 rooms) Slots 150 Table Games 3 GM: Richard Garry

Upper Skagit Indian Tribe

Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation

SKAGIT VALLEY CASINO RESORT

5984 N. Darrk Lane Bow, WA 98232 Phone: 360-724-7777 www.theskagit.com Casino size: 64,000 sq. ft.

The Skagit Valley Resort (132 rooms) Slots 909 Table Games 12 GM: Rick Swanson Snoqualmie Tribe

SNOQUALMIE CASINO

37500 Southeast North Bend Way Snoqualmie, WA 98065 Phone: 425-888-1234 www.snocasino.com Casino size: 187,602 sq. ft.

Gaming Machines 1,700 Table Games 50 CEO: Jon Jenkins Swinomish Indian Tribal Community

SWINOMISH NORTHERN LIGHTS CASINO 12885 Casino Dr. Anacortes, WA 98221 Phone: 360-293-2691 www.swinomishcasino.com Casino size: 73,000 sq. ft.

Slots 800 Table Games 11 Bingo 600 seats GM: Jay Ellenberger Tulalip Tribe

TULALIP BINGO

2911 Quil Ceda Blvd.

Tulalip, WA 98271-7413 Phone: 360-651-1111 www.tulalipcasino.com Casino size: 22,000 sq. ft.

Slots 188 Bingo Seats 850

Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin

Ho-Chunk Nation

W180 State Hwy. 54 Oneida, WI 54155 Phone: 920-869-2228 www.oneidabingoandcasino.net Casino size: 7,359 sq. ft.

Slots 115 GM: Louise Cornelius

27867 State Highway 21 Tomah, WI 54660 Phone: 608-372-3721 www.dejope.com Casino size: 1,890 sq. ft.

Slots 95 GM: Craig Garbin

Ho-Chunk Nation

HO-CHUNK GAMING BLACK RIVER FALLS

W9010 Highway 54 East Black River Falls, WI 54615 Phone: 715-284-9098 www.ho-chunkgaming.com Casino size: 38,000 Gaming Machines 1,111 Table Games 10 Bingo 480 seats GM: Greg Garvin

YAKAMA NATION LEGENDS CASINO

580 Fort Rd. Toppenish, WA 98948 Phone: 509-865-8800 www.yakamalegends.com Casino size: 70,000 sq. ft.

Slots 1,375 Table Games 20 GM: Kristin Lumley

WISCONSIN Class II & III

Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

BAD RIVER LODGE & CASINO

73370 US Hwy. 2 Odanah, WI 54861 Phone: 715-682-7121 www.badriver.com Casino size: 74,000 sq. ft.

Bad River Lodge (50 rooms) Slots 450 Table Games 6 GM: Jace Johnston Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin

CRYSTAL PALACE BINGO HALL

Interstate 277 Hwy. 47/55 Duquaine Road Keshena, WI 54135 Phone: 715-799-3600 Slots 30 Bingo 440 seats GM: James Reiter Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

GRINDSTONE CREEK CASINO

13394 West Trepania Rd. Hayward, WI 54843 Phone: 715-634-2430 www.lcocasino.com Slots 88 GM: Kimm Martinsen

HO-CHUNK GAMING TOMAH

HIGHWAY 54 CASINO

Ho-Chunk Nation

HO-CHUNK GAMING MADISON

4002 Evan Acres Rd. Madison, WI 53718 Phone: 608-223-9576 www.ho-chunkgaming.com Casino size: 22,000 sq. ft.

Slots 1,100 GM: Daniel Brown Ho-Chunk Nation

HO-CHUNK GAMING NEKOOSA

949 County Rd. G Nekoosa, WI 54457 Phone: 715-886-4560 www.rbcwin.com Casino size: 16,650 sq. ft.

Slots 650 Table Games 12 President: Jon Greendeer

SUBWAY

Ho-Chunk Nation

HO-CHUNK GAMING WISCONSIN DELLS

3214 County Hwy. 12 Baraboo, WI 53913 Phone: 608-356-6210 www.ho-chunk.com Casino size: 94,480 sq. ft.

Hotel (315 rooms) Slots 2,775 Table Games 45 Bingo 600 seats GM: Casey Fitzpatrick

PROFILE

unlimited dining choices, from highC end restaurants and celebrity chef bistros to

Fast and Freshest

asino resorts are known for almost

all-you-can-eat buffets. But when guests crave a fast, filling meal on the go, Subway is the natural choice.

Subway fits right into the gaming environment. Southern Nevada Development Agent and franchise owner Donna Curry operates Subway restaurants inside 22 Las Vegas casinos, including the Venetian, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Four Queens, El Cortez and three Boyd Gaming properties.

The restaurants succeed because they fill a need—quickly and deliciously.

In 1965, the first Subway sandwich shop opened in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Fifty-two years later, more than 44,000 Subway stores serve up fast, fresh sandwiches and other nutritious fare in 112 countries around the world.

Customers love the hearty, healthy food, friendly people and speedy service. Casinos value the internationally known brand, strong corporate support and Subway’s ability to turn even small spaces into profit centers (Curry’s stores range from 450 square feet to 1,200 square feet). In addition, a Subway store can open quickly, within 90 to 120 days after lease.

Perhaps most importantly, Curry says, her restaurants are open 24 hours.

“When the restaurants and nightclubs close, we serve casino guests who want a bite to eat in the wee hours,” Curry says. “The line moves fast. If guests want to grab a sandwich and get back to the gaming table, they choose Subway.”

Finally, Curry adds, “People know and love the product—sandwiches made to order with fresh produce. The American Heart Association chose Subway as the first restaurant chain to display its Heart-Check Meal Certification logo on selected meals.”

The choice is simple. Subway is the undisputed leader in fast, wholesome food and a winning bet for casinos.

For more information, visit subway.com. www.tribalgovernmentgaming.com

67

TribalGovernment Gaming 2017 Directory

Shoalwater Bay Tribe

TribalGovernment Gaming 2017 Directory

Ho-Chunk Nation

HO-CHUNK GAMING WITTENBERG

Lake of the Torches Resort Casino

Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

424 Little Pines Rd. Lac du Flambeau, WI 54538 Phone: 800-447-4688 Bingo 510 seats CEO: William Guelcher

Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

LAKE OF THE TORCHES RESORT CASINO

510 Old Abe Rd., Lac du Flambeau, WI 54538 Phone: 715-588-7070 www.lakeofthetorches.com Casino size: 56,000 sq. ft.

Lake of the Torches Hotel (101 rooms) Slots 820 Table Games 11 CEO: Bill Guelcher

TBE ARCHITECTS

D

88705 Pine Tree Lane Hwy 13 Bayfield, WI 54814 Phone: 715-779-3712 www.wisconsingaming.com/islevista.html Casino size: 15,000 sq. ft.

Slots 250 Table Games 5 Bingo 500 seats GM: Robert Pokorney

5939 Old 29 Drive Green Bay, WI 54313 Phone: 920-865-7919 www.oneidacasino.net Casino size: 23,060 Slots 115 GM: Louise Cornelius

Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin

13767 W. County Rd. B Hayward, WI 54843 Phone: 715-634-5643 www.lcocasino.com Casino size: 35,000 sq. ft.

Lac Courte Oreilles Lodge (75 rooms) Slots 650 Table Games 10 Bingo 600 seats GM: Lee Harden

N277 Hwy. 47/55 Keshena, WI 54135 Phone: 715-799-3600 www.menomineecasinoresort.com Casino size: 33,000 sq. ft.

Menominee Hotel (150 rooms) Slots 830 Table Games 8 Bingo 220 seats GM: James O’Kimosh

LAC COURTE OREILLES CASINO & LODGE

PROFILE

‘Ordinary To Extraordinary’

uring the past 45 years, the Native American-owned firm of TBE Architects (Thalden Boyd Emery) has become one the best-known casino-hotel architects in America. Empowered with the tag line “All Hospitality All The Time,” TBE Architects has a depth of experience like no other Native American-owned architecture firm. Its passion in architecture and design has led to working with more than 113 tribes and First Nations, designing more than 200 casino projects and more than 400 hotels.

The firm, with its highly experienced staff of professionals, combines the Native American background and architectural expertise of Chief Boyd, chief executive officer and principal; the creative hotel and casino design expertise of Rich Emery, president and design principal; the design acumen of David Nejelski, creative director and principal; and the management talents of Nick Schoenfeldt, vice president and principal.

Since 1971, TBE Architects has been designing resorts, hotels and casinos for the hospitality and gaming industries. The firm’s approach of creating “Ordinary to Extraordinary” is based on developing unique and exciting visions and bringing them to life. The firm has built a reputation for delivering projects on time and on budget. TBE Architects provides full architectural services including master planning, engineering and interior design.

TBE Architects is an active associate member of the National Indian Gaming Association, the California Nations Indian Gaming Association, the Arizona Indian Gaming Association and the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association.

To learn more, visit thalden.com or contact Linda J. Roe, vice president, client development at 602-321-6207.

68 TRIBAL GOVERNMENT GAMING 2017

Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin

LEGENDARY WATERS RESORT & CASINO

N7214 US Hwy. 45 Wittenberg, WI 54499 Phone: 715-253-4400 www.ho-chunkgaming.com Casino size: 14,000 sq. ft.

Slots 500 GM: Casey Fitzpatrick

LAKE OF THE TORCHES BINGO

Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

MENOMINEE CASINO RESORT

ONEIDA CASINO TRAVEL CENTER

Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin

ONEIDA MASON STREET CASINO

2522 W. Mason St. Green Bay, WI 54313 Phone: 920-494-4500 www.oneidabingoandcasino.net Casino size: 41,798 sq. ft.

Slots 665 Table Games 8 GM: Louise Cornelius

Sakaogon Chippewa Community

MOLE LAKE CASINO

3084 State Hwy. 55 Crandon, WI 54520 Phone: 715-478-5290 www.molelake.com Casino size: 35,000 sq. ft.

Mole Lake Lodge (75 rooms) Slots 410 Bingo 300 seats Table Games 5 Stockbridge-Munsee Community

NORTH STAR MOHICAN CASINO

12180 County Rd. A West Bowler, WI 54416 Phone: 715-793-4090 www.mohicannorthstar.com Casino size: 70,100 sq. ft.

Slots 1,115 Table Games 18 Bingo 360 seats GM: Brian VanEnkenvoort Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin

ONEIDA CASINO

2020/2100 Airport Dr. Green Bay, WI 54313 Phone: 920-494-4500 www.oneidabingoandcasino.net Casino size: 35,000 sq. ft.

Radisson Hotel (408 rooms) Slots 850 Table Games 26 Bingo 834 seats GM: Louise Cornelius

Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin

ONEIDA IMAC GAMING CENTER

2100 Airport Drive Green Bay, WI 54313 Phone: 920-494-4500 www.oneidacasino.net Casino size: 76,578 sq. ft.

Gaming Machines 505 Bingo 858 seats GM: Louise Cornelius Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin

ONEIDA ONE-STOP PACKERLAND

3120 South Packerland Dr. Green Bay, WI 54313 Phone: 920-496-5601 www.oneidacasino.net Casino size: 14,905 sq. ft.

Slots 81 GM: Louise Cornelium Forest County Potawatomi Nation

POTAWATOMI HOTEL CASINO

1721 W Canal St. Milwaukee, WI 53233 Phone: 414-645-6888 www.paysbig.com Casino size: 780,000 sq. ft.

Slots 3,117 Table Games 109 Bingo 1,354 seats GM: Mike Goodrich

LITTLE WIND CASINO

690 Blue Sky Hwy. Ethete, WY 82520 Phone: 307-438-7000 Casino size: 1,920 sq. ft.

Slots 176 GM: Jim Conrad Forest County Potawatomi Community

POTAWATOMI CARTER CASINO & HOTEL

618 State Hwy. 32 Carter, WI 54566 Phone: 715-473-2021 www.cartercasino.com Casino size: 68,000 sq. ft.

Indian Springs Lodge (99 rooms) Slots 506 Table Games 9 Bingo 250 seats GM: Frank Shepard St. Croix Tribal Chippewa of Wisconsin

ST. CROIX CASINO HERTEL EXPRESS

30222 Hwy. 35 & Hwy. 77 Danbury, WI 54830 Phone: 715-656-3444 www.holeinthewallcasino.com Casino size: 22,500 sq. ft.

Hole in The Wall Hotel (41 rooms) Slots 500 Table Games 12 GM: Dino Oustigoff St. Croix Tribal Chippewa of Wisconsin

ST. CROIX CASINO HERTEL EXPRESS

4384 State Rd. 70 Webster, WI 54893-9249 Phone: 715-349-5658 www.hertelexpress.com Slots 148 GM: Debra Reynolds St. Croix Tribal Chippewa of Wisconsin

ST. CROIX CASINO TURTLE LAKE

777 US Hwy. 8 & 63 Turtle Lake, WI 54889 Phone: 715-986-4777 www.stcroixcasino.com Casino size: 95,000 sq. ft.

St. Croix Hotel (179 rooms) Slots 1,150 Table Games 26 GM: Leroy Buck

WYOMING Class II

Northern Arapaho Tribe

789 CASINO & BINGO HALL 10369 Highway 789 Riverton, WY 82501 Phone: 307-856-9942 www.windrivercasino.com Casino size: 45,000 sq. ft.

Gaming Machines 255 GM: Jim Conrad

Eastern Shoshone Tribe

SHOSHONE ROSE CASINO

5068 Hwy. 287 Lander, WY 82520 Phone: 307-335-7529 www.shoshonerosecasino.com Casino size: 16,000 sq. ft.

Slots 700

Enoch Cree Nation

Brokenhead Ojibway Nation

Whitemud Drive and Winterbum Road, Enoch, Alberta T7X 3Y3 Phone: 780-484-2121 www.rivercreeresort.com Casino size: 62,600 sq. ft.

Edmonton Marriott (249 rooms) Slots 850 Table Games 51 GM: Jennifer Bell-Fields

One Ocean Drive Scanterbury, Manitoba R0E 1W0 Phone: 204-766-2100 www.southbeachcasino.ca Casino size: 40,000 sq. ft.

South Beach Resort (93 rooms) Slots 600 Table Games 16 Tribal Chief: Deborah Chief GM: Faysal Tur

RIVER CREE RESORT & CASINO

ONTARIO Waushushk Onigum Foundation

Northern Arapaho Tribe

GOLDEN EAGLE CHARITABLE CASINO AND GAMING CENTER

WIND RIVER CASINO

10269 Hwy. 789 Riverton, WY 82501 Phone: 307-856-3964 www.windrivercasino.com Casino size: 46,000 sq. ft.

Slots 785 Table Games 10 CEO: Jim Conrad

C A N A DA

ALBERTA

Cold Lake First Nation

CASINO DENE

Route 28 and Hwy. 897 Cold Lake, Alberta T9M 1P4 Phone: 780-594-7900 www.casinodene.com Casino size: 20,000 sq. ft.

Slots 180 Table Games 10 Tribal Chief: Brent Boulrice Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation

EAGLE RIVER CASINO & TRAVEL PLAZA

Highway 43 and Highway 32 North, Whitecourt, Alberta T7S 1P7 Phone: 780-779-2727 www.eaglerivercasino.ca Casino size: 25,000 sq. ft.

Slots 250 Table Games 18 Tribal Chief: Cameron Alexis GM: Eris Moncur Tsuu T’ina First Nation

GREY EAGLE CASINO & BINGO

3777 Grey Eagle Dr. Calgary, Alberta T3E 3X8 Phone: 403-273-3200 www.greyeagle.ca Casino size: 84,000 sq. ft.

Slots 600 Tables Games 59 Bingo 550 seats GM: Martin Brickstock

SOUTH BEACH CASINO & RESORT

Stoney Nakoda First Nation

STONEY NAKODA RESORT & CASINO

Highway 40 and Highway 1 Morley, Alberta T0L 1N0 Phone: 403-881-2830 www.stoneynakodaresort.com Casino size: 70,000 sq. ft.

Stoney Nakoda Resort (111 rooms) Slots 300 Table Games 18 GM: Jim Gannarilli

MANITOBA Cree Nations

ASENESKAK CASINO

Highway 10 Opaskwayak The Pas, Manitoba R0B 2J0 Phone 204-627-2250 www.bestlittlecasino.ca Casino size: 20,500 sq. ft.

Slots 160 Table Games 7 GM: Jason Agecoutay Swan Lake First Nation

FIRST NATION GAMING CENTER

4818 Portage Ave. Headingley, Manitoba R4H 1CH Phone: 204-832-1849 Slots 30 Tribal Chief: Francine Melches GM: Donna M’lot Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation

ROSEAU RIVER FIRST NATION COMMUNITY HALL

Highway 201 Ginew, Manitoba R0A 2R0 Phone: 204-427-2193 Slots 50 GM: Marilyn Nelson

Golf Course Road Kenora, Ontario P9N 3X8 Phone: 807-548-1332 www.casinokenora.com Bingo 450 seats Tribal Chief: Ken Snead GM: Patrick Brett

Whitecap Dakota First Nation

DAKOTA DUNES CASINO

204 Dakota Dunes Way Whitecap, Saskatchewan S7K 2L2 Phone: 306-667-6400 www.dakotadunescasino.ca Casino size: 84,000 sq. ft.

Slots 620 Table Games 29 Tribal Chief: Darcy Bear GM: Gary Daniels First Nations of Saskatchewan

GOLD EAGLE CASINO

11902 Railway Ave. North Battleford, Saskatchewan S9A 3K7 Phone: 306-446-3833 www.siga.sk.ca/goldeagle Casino size: 30,000 sq. ft.

Slots 285 Table Games 6 GM: Kelly Atcheynum

TribalGovernment Gaming 2017 Directory

Northern Arapaho Tribe

Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation

GREAT BLUE HERON CHARITY CASINO

21777 Island Rd. Port Perry, Ontario L9L 1B6 Phone: 905-985-4888 www.greatblueheroncasino.com Slots 545 Table Games 72 Tribal Chief: Tracy Gauthier GM: Arnold Block Six Nations of the Grand River

SIX NATIONS BINGO HALL

2585 Chiefswood Rd. Ohsweken, Ontario N0A 1M0 Phone: 519-753-3574 www.sixnationsbingo.ca Casino size: 39,500 sq. ft.

Bingo 1,600 seats Tribal Chief: William Montour GM: Lana Smith

SASKATCHEWAN White Bear Indian Community

BEAR CLAW CASINO

Hwy. 9, White Bear First Nation, Caryle, Saskatchewan S0C 0R0 Phone: 306-577-4577 www.siga.sk.ca/bearclaw Casino size: 15,000 sq. ft.

Hotel (35 Rooms) Slots 142 Table Games 4 GM: Edward Littlechief

File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council

LIVING SKY CASINO

1401 N. Service Rd. East, Swift Current, Saskatchewan S9H 3X6 Phone: 306-778-5759 www.livingskycasino.ca Casino size: 50,000 sq. ft.

Slots 150 Table Games 8 GM: Trevor Marion First Nations of Saskatchewan

NORTHERN LIGHTS CASINO

44 Marquis Rd. West, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan S6V 7Y5 Phone: 306-764-4777 www.siga.sk.ca/northern_lights Casino size: 42,000 sq. ft.

Prince Albert Inn (105 rooms) Slots 525 Table Games 13 GM: Richard Ahenakew First Nations of Saskatchewan

PAINTED HAND CASINO

510 Broadway St. West Yorkton, Saskatchewan S3N OP3 Phone: 306-786-6777 www.siga.sk.ca/painted_hand Casino size: 18,000 sq. ft.

Slots 225 Table Games 8 GM: Johnathan Pasap

www.tribalgovernmentgaming.com

69

OPERATIONS

DEAR MR. FANTASY

Why fantasy sports can be a tremendous opportunity for growth in tribal casinos BY KEVIN BROWN

F

antasy sports have been around for more than 30 years, but changes in technology and evolutions in the way fantasy sports are played have caused an eruption in popularity in fantasy sports in recent years. The surge in popularity has raised some important questions about the fantasy sports industry, and many of those questions have weighed heavily among many in our industry. Is it gambling? Does it violate tribal gaming compacts? Is fantasy sports a threat to casinos?

At Mohegan Sun, we’ve spent an extraordinary amount of time thinking about those questions and scrutinizing the issues. There has been a lot rhetoric and noise about fantasy sports, so we wanted

of gambling is far more complex.

The definitions vary from state to state, but as everyone in our community knows, it primarily hinges on the level of skill involved in the contest. The beauty of fantasy sports is there is an extraordinary amount of data available—literally billions of data points. So there is no mystery about what drives results. You just have to take the time to look at the data.

We have, and so have experts from institutions across the country, and it’s clear skill is the dominant factor that determines success in fantasy sports.

Perhaps the most rigorous and complete study came out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where Professor

The 21- to-35-year-old demographic is enamored with fantasy sports, and fantasy sports represents a direct pipeline for our industry to connect with what has been a difficult market to reach. to take a rigorous approach where we did not accept assumptions, aggressively questioning hypotheses and letting the data and the facts drive our final position.

In short, we found the answer to the three questions above to definitely be: No, no, and no. We also found fantasy sports can be an incredible growth opportunity for our industry. Here’s why: Not Gambling; Does Not Violate Compacts Unfortunately, too many people have taken an initial glance at fantasy sports and concluded fantasy sports involves placing money on the events occurring in a sports contest; therefore, it must be gambling. But that view does not account for or respect what we in the gaming industry understand deeply: the definition 70 TRIBAL GOVERNMENT GAMING 2017

Anette Hosoi ran extensive models and simulations and found the results to be “definitive” and that skill plays the “decisive role” in determining who succeeds and who fails in fantasy sports.

A skill-based contest is not going to impact gaming compacts. It’s why states like Colorado, Kansas, Massachusetts, Mississippi and New York have all passed laws specifically stating fantasy sports is legal, and it has had no impact on their tribal gaming compacts.

Fantasy Sports Does Not Compete with Casinos Some have expressed concern that the growth of fantasy sports represents a threat to brick-and-mortar casinos. Our view is in fact the opposite.

I have not seen one ounce of data to

support the argument that fantasy sports are a threat. In fact, when we looked over at neighboring New York—one of the biggest fantasy sports states in the country—we saw that as the fantasy industry exploded in popularity, so did the revenues at the state’s casinos. Statewide casino revenues in the most recent fiscal year were $1 billion higher than when fantasy sports began to take off, a doubling of casino revenue since 2009.

The Growth Opportunity While casinos and fantasy sports are distinct, our industry could be directly benefiting from the fantasy sports community.

Another data point that is clear: Fantasy sports have tapped into a market we are struggling with, younger Americans. The 21 -to-35-year-old demographic is enamored with fantasy sports, and fantasy sports represents a direct pipeline for our industry to connect with what has been a difficult market to reach.

Fantasy sports companies constantly look for opportunities to hold live events to bring their players together and fantasy sports fans—who truly are a community—love to convene. This represents a major opportunity for brickand-mortar casinos.

It’s why I am proud to say Mohegan Sun has entered into a relationship with FanDuel, one of the leading fantasy sports companies in the country.

It’s an opportunity available to casinos across the country, and I’d urge you to ignore the noise and focus on the facts— the continued growth of fantasy sports can be a major boon for our industry. We should be supporting efforts of state legislatures across the country to help the industry grow.

Kevin Brown is chairman of the Mohegan Tribal Council.

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