Gambling in the USA
Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment Unveils Logo for New Destination in Las Vegas, Signifying the First Tribal Casino Presence in the Entertainment Capital of the World
Mohegan Sun Casino at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Announces Strategic New Hires and Momentum Loyalty Rewards Program
Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment (MGE), a master developer of awe-inspiring global integrated entertainment resorts (IER), today unveiled the logo for its first Las Vegas destination, Mohegan Sun Casino at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. The 60,000-square foot premium gaming venue is located within Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton™. Actively under extensive renovation, Mohegan Sun Casino Las Vegas signifies the first tribal casino presence in the prestigious Las Vegas market.
As part of this landmark endeavor, MGE has appointed Joe Hasson as General Manager to lead the brand’s first foray into the Las Vegas market; Joe will oversee the strategic direction of business operations and financial performance of the casino property in coordination with the senior management team. Recently named Director of Marketing, Tyler Conover will also be instrumental in amplifying Mohegan’s presence and furthering key business initiatives to attract guests. Under their leadership, MGE will deliver memorable guest experiences, best in-class operations, and unmatched personalized service.
“This is an important milestone, and we are eager to bring MGE’s world-class gaming to our network of loyal thrill-seekers in the entertainment capital of the world,” said Mario Kontomerkos, MGE’s Chief Executive Officer. “With industry veterans like Joe and Tyler at the helm of Mohegan Sun Casino Las Vegas, we are confident that our first venture into Las Vegas will be a fruitful one, and we are looking forward to welcoming guests later this year.”
Get to Know the New General Manager at Mohegan Sun Casino Las Vegas
Joe Hasson brings nearly 40 years of industry experience into his new role as General Manager. Responsibilities of this position include management of the overall integrity of operations, and ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards, internal controls, policies and procedures. In addition, Hasson will be responsible for developing strategies and executing activities to drive and continually improve financial results, guest satisfaction, human capital engagement and efficiencies to grow the business. Hasson will provide strong leadership, set expectations, and hold the Mohegan Sun Casino Las Vegas management team accountable for implementing strategy and brand initiatives.
As a former Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager for a prominent local casino company in Las Vegas, Hasson was responsible for operating a portfolio including more than 20 casinos, resorts and taverns, featuring more than 20,000 slot machines, 400 table games, 5,000 hotel rooms and 60 restaurants, along with full scale resort, regional and neighborhood amenities. With ample gaming and entertainment experience, Hasson also earned more than 20-plus years of first-hand experience nationwide while with Harrah’s Entertainment and Penn National Gaming.
Newly Appointed Director of Marketing to Usher MGE Brand into World-Class Las Vegas Market
Tyler Conover is a marketing professional with 15 years of experience in the gaming and hospitality industry. He possesses extensive knowledge of the Las Vegas market and has consulted throughout various regions of the United States and Canada.
In his role as Director of Marketing for Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, Tyler will oversee the brand’s gaming database and direct marketing efforts, loyalty marketing, and advertising for gaming promotions and special events. Tyler will be instrumental in strengthening the MGE brand and introducing a new, world-renowned market of consumers to the Mohegan experience.
Maximum Thrills Arrive in Las Vegas
In bringing all-out excitement to Las Vegas, Mohegan Sun Casino Las Vegas will open with the Momentum Loyalty Rewards Program, providing a seamless opportunity for guests to earn and redeem rewards and discounts at over 100 dining, shopping, nightlife and entertainment options, hotels, spas and golf courses at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut; Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Pennsylvania; Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey; ilani in Washington; and Mohegan Sun Casino Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Mohegan Sun Casino Las Vegas’ renovation is currently underway. Subject to regulatory approval, the re-imagined Las Vegas lifestyle casino is slated to open at the end of 2020.
About Mohegan Sun Casino at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
Mohegan Sun Casino at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is a state-of-the-art lifestyle casino operated by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment (MGE), master developer of awe-inspiring integrated entertainment resorts (IER) worldwide. Mohegan Sun Casino Las Vegas signifies the first tribal casino presence in the prestigious Las Vegas market, featuring a 60,000-square foot gaming venue located within Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, a Curio Collection by Hilton. For more information on Mohegan Sun Casino Las Vegas or MGE properties, please visit www.mohegangaming.com.
About Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment
Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment (MGE) is a master developer and operator of premier global integrated entertainment resorts, including Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, Inspire in Incheon, South Korea and Niagara Casinos in Niagara, Canada. MGE is owner, developer, and/or manager of integrated entertainment resorts throughout the United States, including Connecticut, New Jersey, Washington, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, as well as Northern Asia and Niagara Falls, Canada, and coming soon pending regulatory approval, Las Vegas, Nevada. MGE is owner and operator of Connecticut Sun, a professional basketball team in the WNBA and New England Black Wolves, a professional lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League. For more information on MGE and our properties, visit www.mohegangaming.com.
About Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is a reimagined and re-conceptualized casino resort, slated to open in Fall 2020. The property will be a part of the Curio Collection by Hilton™. The integrated resort will intermix a passion for food and beverage with music and culture. The resort will feature three hotel towers totaling over 1,500 Chambers and suites; a 60,000 sq. ft. Mohegan Sun Casino operated by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment; a five-acre tropical paradise resort pool area; 117,000 sq. ft. of flexible indoor meeting and events space; live music and entertainment venue operated by AEG Presents with a capacity of 4,500+; and a portfolio of 12 dining venues including the iconic Nobu and luxury steakhouse MB Steak. The property is owned by JC Hospitality, LLC, in partnership with Juniper Capital Partners, Virgin Group, LiUNA, Fengate Real Assets, Dream and Orlando Development. The off-Strip playground, located at 4455 Paradise Road, is currently closed for renovations. For more information, visit https://virginhotels.com/las-vegas/.
SOURCE Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment
Gambling in the USA
California Gambling Control Commission Advances Licensing, Tribal Partnerships, and Responsible Gaming Initiatives
Sacramento, CA — In a meeting packed with regulatory updates and licensing decisions, the California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) convened on April 24 to advance numerous agenda items impacting the state’s gambling landscape—from tribal gaming approvals to responsible gambling programs and operator renewals.
Problem Gambling & Public Health Takes the Stage
The Commission meeting opened with a presentation by Sosha Marasigan-Quintero from the California Department of Public Health, offering an overview and update on the California Problem Gambling Treatment Services Program. While no specific staff recommendations were provided, the update underscores California’s continued focus on behavioral health in gambling.
Tribal Revenue Distribution Approved
The Commission approved the quarterly distribution of payments from the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund to eligible recipient Indian Tribes. This routine, yet vital, procedure ensures the equitable distribution of revenue to support tribal sovereignty and infrastructure across the state.
Cardroom Licensing: Approvals and Extensions
Among key licensing matters:
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500 Club Casino (K & M Casinos, Inc.) received both initial and renewal owner-type license approvals through January 2027.
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Casino Chico, Hollywood Park Casino, and Lake Bowl Cardroom were granted renewals and short-term extensions, some with conditions such as improving record-keeping systems or ensuring regulatory compliance ahead of reopening.
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Hotel Del Rio & Casino was granted a 60-day extension under several strict conditions, including updated safety plans and the restatement of commingled financial records.
Key Employee Licensing Actions
The Commission approved several initial and renewal key employee licenses. Notably:
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Jeffrey Thompson was approved with a condition prohibiting involvement in illegal gambling activities.
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Kevin Lee and George Rahme received 120-day extensions for renewal processing.
Third-Party Proposition Player Services Under Scrutiny
The Commission approved both initial and temporary licenses for Fortune Players Group, Inc., with a lengthy list of conditions tied to the conduct of a former associate, Rene Medina. These conditions highlight the Commission’s ongoing vigilance in monitoring third-party player services and maintaining compliance across operations.
Progressive Gaming, LLC was also approved for an initial license, further expanding third-party service provider capacity.
Gaming Resource Suppliers & Tribal Approvals
Initial suitability findings for several prominent tribal gaming resource suppliers were approved, including:
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HCAL, LLC
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JCM Global
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Konami Gaming, Inc.
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PDS Gaming, LLC
Dozens of tribal gaming employees were also approved for key positions at tribal casinos across California, reflecting the Commission’s continued support of tribal gaming operations and the necessary workforce to support it.
Notable Withdrawals and Denials
In two notable cases, requests to withdraw license applications—Josephine Hoang and Jesus Bojorquez—were denied, signaling the Commission’s increased scrutiny and emphasis on applicant accountability.
A Broader Look Ahead
With regulatory reform on the horizon and ongoing efforts to promote responsible gaming, the April 2025 CGCC meeting showcased a mix of routine license management and deeper engagement with emerging compliance issues. As the Commission prepares for the next quarter, the groundwork laid in this session will likely influence policy developments and enforcement trends across California’s gambling sector.
The renowned Mexican operator Logrand has installed Zitro’s new CONCEPT cabinets and a selection of its latest games at the New York Casino in Monterrey.
Building on its global success, the CONCEPT cabinet line stands out for its Magic Lighting, immersing players in a synchronized light display, resulting in a unique sensory experience. Furthermore, the cabinet’s large Screen Deck blends comfort with intuitive functionality, optimizing the experience for players and operational teams.
The installation of the CONCEPT cabinets is complemented by the addition of the medieval-themed multi-game Legendary Sword, in which players can double their prizes through unique mechanics with the help of a magic sword.
On the other hand, Fairyland Quest takes players to an enchanted forest where Magic Mushrooms give access to a different bonus each, while a friendly Fairy will give a special bonus that doubles the playing area.
Juan David Baracaldo, Director of Operations and Product, highlighted: “The addition of Zitro’s CONCEPT cabinets is a great step to continue offering unique and high-quality experiences to our players. The unique combination of technology, spectacular graphics, and the experience these cabinets offer will further elevate our casino’s entertainment offering.”
For his part, Johnny Ortiz Viveiros, founder of Zitro, expressed: “We are very excited to strengthen our partnership with Logrand, a strategic partner that shares our vision of providing exceptional gaming experiences. The new CONCEPT cabinets and games like Legendary Sword and Fairyland Quest are just the beginning of what will transform how players enjoy entertainment.”
Sky River Casino has announced that an Elk Grove resident has won a whopping $511,311 while playing progressive blackjack on March 31, 2025. The Sky River Rewards member hit the big win after playing the table game for less than an hour.
“Our progressive table games and slot machines continue to be really hot here at Sky River Casino. Our players have had an impressive number of life-changing jackpots and our winning streak continues. We look forward to the next big win and welcome adults near and far to visit to explore and enjoy our high-energy atmosphere, lively promotions, exciting gaming, and unparalleled dining experiences,” said Michael J. Facenda, President of Sky River Casino.
The lucky local guest plans to use her winnings to renovate a kitchen and build a house back home.
“Without question, the best part of my job is watching our valued members and guests experience jaw dropping wins like this one. We all share in the incredible excitement that is absolutely contagious and can be felt throughout the casino,” said Charleen Ripley, VP of Casino Operations for Sky River Casino.
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