For the last six years, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe has depended on the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority to build and manage their ilani Casino Resort.
It proved a good bet. Estimates of the ilani’s total gaming volume range from $300 million to $400 million a year, though the tribe has never confirmed or denied that.
But the Cowlitz Tribe is ready for a change. Its Tribal Council voted earlier this month to take over management of the resort, located near La Center, Washington, itself. The Oregonian/OregonLive first reported the proposal in March.
By going it alone, the Cowlitz Tribe will save the 24% cut of the ilani net revenue that it had agreed to pay to the Mohegan, which has parlayed experience running its own casino into management contracts around the globe.
The gaming industry veterans from Uncasville, Connecticut, acknowledged earlier this month that they are out.
“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 the 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.”
The Cowlitz’s contract with the Mohegan doesn’t end until June 2024.
“The move toward self-management is a natural evolution for the Cowlitz Tribe,” Patty Kinswa-Gaiser, the tribe’s chairwoman, said in a statement, “and one that many Northwest tribes have followed at this same juncture.”
The Cowlitz will have to manage both the casino, the third largest in the state of Washington, and the large new hotel located next door. The 14-story hotel, with nearly 300 rooms, is scheduled to open next week.
