The Mohegan Tribe has announced its decision to end its casino management role at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas by the end of this year. This transition to Virgin, subject to regulatory approvals, was jointly announced by the tribe and Virgin Hotels on Tuesday.
Following the transition period, Mohegan will cease to manage or lease the casino. Cliff Atkinson, the president of the property, would oversee gaming operations, as per an official release issued on Tuesday.
“We are grateful for the collaboration with Mohegan, and we will continue to work together to ensure a well-ordered transition of casino operations. This transition is a natural progression in our journey to provide guests of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas with a seamless resort experience,” Atkinson said in a statement.
The 1,504-room, off-Strip property, which features a 60,000-square-foot casino, was launched in March 2021, marking the first commercial casino in Las Vegas to be managed by an Indian tribe.
Subsequently, management of the Palms casino was assumed by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians of California, while The Mirage was acquired by Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.
In December, Mohegan reported a decline in cash flow at its Las Vegas operation, with figures showing a decrease of 434.2 percent from the previous year. This drop was attributed to decreased gaming revenue, primarily due to a lower table-game hold compared to the average.
The property, previously remodeled and rebranded from Hard Rock Hotel, transitioned to Virgin three years ago. The Nevada Gaming Control Board and Nevada Gaming Commission are expected to weigh in on the selection of new operators for the casino, the report said.
“Mohegan’s partnership with Virgin Hotels Las Vegas was, upon inception, and is today in the very best interest of the guests and hardworking team members whose patronage and contributions to the business are deeply appreciated. While Mohegan’s role will come to an end, we are confident that the resort’s unwavering focus on guest and team member satisfaction will continue,” Ray Pineault, president and CEO of Mohegan, said in a press release.
The operation of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas has been overseen by three partners – the Mohegan Tribe, Virgin Hotels, and Hilton’s Curio Collection portfolio. In addition to the hotel and casino, the property boasts a five-acre pool complex, a live music and entertainment theater, and 12 food-and-beverage outlets, including Nobu, the Kassi Beach House and Beach Club experience.
Mohegan currently operates eight casino properties worldwide, including its flagship Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, as well as properties in Atlantic City; Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania; and Ridgefield, Washington. Internationally, it owns two resorts in Niagara Falls, Ontario, and Mohegan Inspire in Incheon, South Korea.