Mohegan CEO Ray Pineault: Winning a Casino License in New York City a ‘Major Priority’

Posted on: November 20, 2024, 03:50h. 

Last updated on: November 21, 2024, 10:19h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More

Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.

Mohegan, the gaming company owned by Connecticut’s Mohegan Tribe, is amid its greatest operational focus pivot in its nearly three-decades-long history.

Mohegan recently ended its management contracts in Atlantic City at Resorts and in Las Vegas at Virgin Hotels. The company formerly known as Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment additionally ceased operating the ilani Casino Resort in Washington.

It’s not that Mohegan is reigning in its operational exposure. Quite the contrary. Mohegan, which has become one of the largest tribal gaming operators in the country and a major player in the commercial casino industry, is betting big on its own endeavors. And the company isn’t limiting itself to the US.

Mohegan President and CEO Ray Pineault told Casino.org during a recent interview that South Korea is “an exciting market with significant growth potential in tourism, especially in the realm of integrated resorts.” He says Inspire allows Mohegan to capture an international audience, expanding the brand nearly 7,000 miles from the tribe’s sovereign land in Connecticut’s Uncasville.

“[Inspire] enables Mohegan to introduce a brand of entertainment to a new demographic, while advancing the Tribe’s goals of economic diversification and long-term sustainability,” Pineault added.

New York State of Mind

Inspire helped Mohegan reach record revenue in its 2024 third quarter. The company, however, isn’t stagnating. Back stateside, securing one of the three coveted New York casino licenses is atop Mohegan’s wish list.

Mohegan is partnered with the Soloviev Group for an integrated resort casino on Manhattan’s East Side just south of the United Nations headquarters. Dubbed Freedom Plaza, the blueprint includes a casino floor measuring 280K square feet, 1,251 hotel guestrooms, 56K square feet of conference space, a wellness and spa retreat from Banyan Tree, a roof deck infinity pool, and 30 restaurants, bars, and lounges.

Winning a New York license is a major priority, as it aligns with our strategy to expand into key markets,” Pineault told Casino.org. “New York presents an incredible opportunity due to its vast population and appeal as a global entertainment hub.”

To differentiate its bid from a crowded pool that also includes casino giants like MGM Resorts, Las Vegas Sands, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn Resorts, Mohegan and Soloviev have proposed building 1,325 residential apartments at the resort site. More than 500 would be rent-controlled affordable housing units. The project also includes almost 4.8 acres of public green space.

“A distinctive aspect of our proposal is our commitment to affordable housing as well as significant outdoor open green space. We understand that sustainable growth includes contributing to the local community’s needs beyond entertainment. By integrating a comprehensive housing plan and open green space into Freedom Plaza, we are addressing vital needs in New York,” Pineault added.

Mohegan’s NYC Odds

With a competitive field for the three downstate New York casinos, which along with the aforementioned companies, includes Hard Rock International, another tribal-owned enterprise by way of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Mohegan’s best asset could be its people. Mohegan has regularly been named a best place to work by its employees, and in June, Newsweek recognized Mohegan among its “Most Loved Workplaces” list for 2024.

Mohegan’s culture is rooted in the Spirit of Aquai, our guiding philosophy emphasizing respect, cooperation, mutual respect, and relationship-building. These values shape how we engage with our team members, guests, and communities,” said Pineault. “We prioritize creating a supportive, inclusive, and purpose-driven workplace where every team member is valued and empowered to grow,” he added.

The New York Gaming Facility Location Board will ultimately decide if Mohegan and Soloviev’s bid is among the three strongest. The state agency has imposed a Dec. 1, 2025, deadline to render its three winners.