Operator News
US – Mohegan to hand over management of ilani casino to Cowlitz tribe
By Phil - 11 April 2023
Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority announced that after careful consideration, the Cowlitz Tribal Gaming Authority has recommended, and the Cowlitz Tribal Council has approved, a decision to begin the process of transitioning ilani from an enterprise managed by Mohegan to a self-managed enterprise. Mohegan’s management agreement with the CTGA expires in July 2024.
“We are very proud of the work we accomplished together over many years in partnership with the Cowlitz Tribe,” said Raymond Pineault, Chief Executive Officer of Mohegan. “We support the self-determination of any Tribal nation, and while we had hoped to continue our partnership as we thought we had more to offer the Cowlitz people, we are committed to aiding a smooth transition.”
Patty Kinswa-Gaiser, Chairwoman of the Cowlitz Tribe, noted that “The move toward self-management is a natural evolution for the Cowlitz Tribe, and one that many Northwest tribes have followed at this same juncture. While we remain committed to continuing our partnership with Mohegan through other endeavors and opportunities of mutual benefit, it was understood by both Tribes that Cowlitz would eventually pursue a pathway toward self-management of ilani.”
