Mohegan Tribe to Conclude Management of Atlantic City’s Resorts Casino

01.03.2024

In a significant development for Atlantic City’s casino landscape, the Mohegan Tribe has announced its decision to terminate its management of Resorts Casino by the end of the current year.

This decision brings to a close a decade-long partnership initiated in 2012, a crucial period during which Resorts Casino navigated the challenges following the loss of co-owner and gambling veteran Dennis Gomes.

A Decade of Partnership

The collaboration between Mohegan Gaming Advisors, the tribe’s gambling arm, and Resorts was forged at a pivotal moment for the casino, which faced considerable operational and market challenges in the wake of Gomes’ death. Mohegan’s extensive experience in running successful casino operations in Connecticut and Pennsylvania made it an ideal partner for Resorts, the pioneering casino outside Nevada since 1978.

Under this partnership, Resorts has seen a significant transformation, with Morris Bailey, the owner of Resorts, acknowledging Mohegan’s role in stabilizing and directing the casino towards success. “Mohegan brought stability and direction to Resorts by helping to assemble a stellar management team which will remain in place. We are happy that, with Mohegan’s help, Resorts has reached a point where it is able to operate independently,” Bailey stated.

Achievements and Growth

The tenure of Mohegan’s management witnessed substantial growth for Resorts, with gambling revenue increasing from $130.8 million in 2012 to $163 million last year. This period also saw the casino expand its offerings, including a partnership with DraftKings sportsbook and the launch of Resorts Digital, which saw a remarkable revenue increase of over 50% from the previous year.

Ray Pineault, president and CEO of Mohegan, expressed pride in the achievements made during their management period, emphasizing the collective effort and support from team members, guests, and the Atlantic City community.

As the management agreement comes to an end, Resorts is set to embark on a new chapter with plans to introduce fresh marketing programs, even as the cross-marketing initiatives with Mohegan casinos conclude. This transition marks a new era for Resorts, poised to leverage its strengthened position in the competitive casino market of Atlantic City.

Our Comment on the Article

The conclusion of the Mohegan Tribe’s management of Resorts Casino signals a pivotal moment for both entities. For Resorts, this transition represents a maturation, a readiness to navigate the future independently, buoyed by a decade of strategic guidance and operational excellence.

For Mohegan, this move reflects the successful fulfillment of a partnership that has contributed significantly to the stabilizing and growth of an iconic gaming destination. As both parties move forward, the legacy of this collaboration will undoubtedly continue to influence their paths in the evolving landscape of the casino industry.