While tribal officials operate the casino at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, the hotel is run by Richard Branson’s Virgin Hotels. In March 2022, Mohegan, formerly Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment, became the first Native American-owned company to be licensed for a commercial gaming operation in the state. Its acquisition was part of a trend in 2022 that saw more Native American tribes entering the Southern Nevada gaming industry. The tribe acquired the 766-room, 20-year-old resort - which had been closed for two years during the pandemic - from Red Rock Resorts subsidiary Station Casinos Inc. The tribe and its San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority, one of the biggest tribal casino operators in Southern California, celebrated the one year anniversary of the property’s reopening Thursday with surprises for guests and team members: a public dance party and celebratory toast.
Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal) San Manuel Band of Mission Indians made Las Vegas history last year when it reopened the Palms - making it the first resort fully owned and operated by a Native American tribe.
The Palms is shown during a celebration for the one year anniversary of San Manuel Band of Mission Indians reopening The Palms in Las Vegas Thursday, April 27, 2023.
