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- By Chez Oxendine
- Gaming
Indian gaming continues to evolve through some unexpected partnerships and strategic expansions as 2024 enters its final months. From former opponents joining the Seminole Tribe’s mobile platform to the first-ever tribal-REIT financing deal, tribes are finding new ways to grow their gaming operations and strengthen their market positions.
This month’s roundup highlights several landmark deals, including the Seminole Tribe welcoming previous litigants to Hard Rock Bet, Mystic Lake’s bingo modernization and Vikings partnership extension, and growing tribal influence when it comes to technology and elections.
Former foes join Seminole Tribe’s app; major brands next?
Former opponents of the Seminole Tribe’s mobile gaming rights in Florida have switched from litigation to partnership, agreeing to offer Jai Alai on the tribe’s Hard Rock Bet app beginning in 2025. The partnership between West Flagler Associates, Ltd., et. al. and the Seminole Tribe comes after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear challenges to the tribe’s exclusive mobile gaming rights, leaving in place an Appeals court ruling that supported the tribe.
“Rather than engaging in years of additional litigation, this agreement will allow the parties to work together to promote Jai Alai, which has played an important role in Florida’s gaming landscape for nearly 100 years,” said Jim Allen, CEO of Seminole Gaming.
The agreement, which includes West Flagler Associates, Bonita-Fort Myers Corporation and Southwest Florida Enterprises, bars future litigation against the tribe’s gaming rights. The new Jai Alai game will be developed by Battle Court Jai Alai, LLC.
In a subsequent lawsuit, West Flagler and its associates attested the tribe fell afoul of existing state legislation against mobile gaming outside of tribal casinos, while the tribe argued that servers on the tribe’s land should count as the betting location, giving them sovereignty. That lawsuit and associated complaints worked their way up the ladder to the US Supreme Court, which declined to hear the case.
This tribe may not stop at this partnership. Allen indicated openness to potential deals with major gaming brands like FanDuel and DraftKings. “We recognize that long term, some type of strategic relationship with some of the brands that really have marquee value could be helpful to both of us, and we are receptive to those conversations,” Allen recently told CNBC, after FanDuel CEO Amy Howe named Florida among her company’s key target states.
REIT partners with tribe in landmark deal
The Ione Band of Miwok Indians has secured a landmark/sale leaseback agreement with Gaming & Leisure Properties Inc. (NASDAQ: GLPI) for the tribe’s Acorn Ridge Casino project, marking the first-ever such deal between a federally recognized tribe and a real estate investment trust (REIT), according to CDC Gaming. The tribe recently broke ground on the 60,000-square foot casino in Amador County, Calif. in late October, following a 20-year process to take the 228-acre parcel into trust.
The deal’s structure includes a $110 million delayed draw term loan at 11% interest, with $13.7 million already drawn, according to a federal filing. At the end of the five-year loan term, the tribe can convert the outstanding balance into a long-term lease ranging from 25 to 45 years.
In its third-quarter conference call, executives of publicly traded GLPI talked about the tribal deal’s unique structure, which includes REIT protections and National Indian Gaming Commission approval. It could be a model for future REIT deals with tribes, though GLPI CEO Peter Carlino noted, “The value has yet to be proven.”
The agreement culminates a four-year development process for the Sacramento-area project, which will feature slots, table games, and restaurants. After 45 years, the property will revert to full tribal control.
Mystic Lake Upgrades Bingo, Renews Vikings
The Mystic Lake Casino in Minnesota unveiled its modernized bingo hall, blending traditional favorites with new technology and amenities. The updated space features larger viewing screens, electronic gaming units offering poker and keno options, a dedicated pull-tab booth, and a grab-and-go food station. The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community property announced it is marking the grand opening with month-long celebrations in November, including a $40,000 prize event on Nov. 23. "Bingo was our first gaming offering over 40 years ago, and it remains one of our most popular attractions," CEO Angela Heikes said in a statement.
Separately, Mystic Lake announced it would extend a partnership with the Minnesota Vikings NFL team. The first tribal-owned casino to partner with an NFL team, Mystic Lake said the new deal extends its partnership with the Vikings through 2035, continuing their collaboration at U.S. Bank Stadium's Club Purple and Club Gold venues.
‘If they want another fight, we’re ready’
Having paved the way to sue private card rooms in the state, California gaming tribes are turning their attention next to sweepstakes and daily fantasy sports sites operating in the state, per a report by Sportcasting.com.
California Nations Indian Gaming Association Chairman James Siva, speaking to Indian Gaming Association conference chairman Victor Rocha, announced his intent to speak to regulators and app store owners about the allegedly illegal operations.
“It’s baffling how far [sweepstakes and fantasy operators] have gotten already without any big pushback from the state,” Siva said on Rocha’s weekly webcast. “If they want, I hate to use the word, another fight, we’re always ready.”
NOTEWORTHY
Agua Caliente Casinos has secured a first-of-its-kind naming rights deal in the U.S. airport industry, with Palm Springs International Airport unveiling the Agua Caliente Concourse on October 31. The three-year agreement includes the renaming of the former RJ Concourse and planned upgrades such as new lounge seating, workstations, and charging stations. The partnership has already launched Nine Cities Craft, offering Coachella Valley craft beers and full dining, with a self-serve retail shop planned by year's end. The airport, located on the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation, serves nearly 3 million passengers annually and provides access to the tribe's three casino properties in Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, and Cathedral City.
Mohegan Gaming Authority has entered into a multi-year partnership with AI company Gaming Analytics, planning to utilize AI-driven data to improve customer services, per a report by CDC Gaming. The goal is to use the technology to better analyze customer behavior and preferences, leading to improved marketing campaigns and promotions. The platform’s integration of player development, campaign management and enterprise alignment tools will streamline operations, according to Ray Pineault, president and CEO of Mohegan.
Arizona tribal gaming contributed $43.9 million to the state’s Benefits Fund in the first quarter of fiscal 2025, up 3.6 percent year over year, per a report by Indian Gaming. “This growth highlights the continued strength of the partnership between the state and our Arizona tribal partners,” said Arizona Department of Gaming director Jackie Johnson in a statement.
Two tribal casino resorts earned top honors at AIANTA's 2024 Excellence in Tourism Industry Awards. Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville, Louisiana won Excellence in Customer Service for its extensive gaming offerings, including 30+ tables, live poker, sports betting, and 1,000+ slot machines, alongside family-friendly amenities and cultural experiences showcasing the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe. Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino in Mescalero Apache territory was named Indigenous Destination of the Year, recognized for blending gaming with outdoor recreation, cultural heritage, and Indigenous art in a mountain setting.
New data from trade publication VegasInsider has revealed a broad, if slight, trend toward Democrats when considering political donations from casinos. Casino companies spent $260,700 on Democrats, and $203,750 on Republicans in the 2023-2024 election cycle. Tribal spending has represented a small portion of overall casino political spend. Per the data over the course of the last 5 election cycles, tribal organizations have contributed nearly 9 percent of the total spend, totaling $338,000 out of $4,213,900.
Brian Edwards contributed reporting.
If you have news or information about Indian gaming, expansions, developments,or emerging stories, shoot me a note at [email protected].
