Although it doesn't currently have a location in Las Vegas, Cherokee Nation Entertainment, the gaming division of the same-named Native American tribe, isn't against the concept in the long run.

John Sparks, the chairman of the Cherokee Nation Gaming Commission, stated earlier on Saturday at the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) in Pittsburgh that the Tribe isn't planning to join Las Vegas "just yet." Sparks did not, however, state that the Tribe is adamantly against visiting the US casino complex in the future.

Cherokee Nation is now in charge of eight casinos in Oklahoma and is thought to be the front-runner to be granted a gaming license in Pope County, Arkansas. The Gold Strike Hotel & Casino in Tunica, Mississippi was purchased by the Tribe for $450 million from MGM Resorts International a little more than two years ago.

 

It Would Probably Take Acquisition for Cherokee Nation to Acquire a Las Vegas Casino

Being one of the biggest Tribal gambling companies in the US, Cherokee Nation Entertainment most likely has the financial wherewithal to someday enter the Las Vegas market, a move that will almost surely require an acquisition.

Sparks made no such remarks during the NCLGS conference. There are currently no Strip casinos listed for sale, despite the rumor mill regarding the gaming industry's consolidation having a seemingly endless supply. Large-scale off-Strip venues are in the same boat, and there's only one gambling facility officially listed for sale in downtown.

Furthermore, some experts think that because many potential purchasers are reluctant to finance agreements at high borrowing costs, high interest rates constitute a barrier to casino mergers and acquisitions activity. The Federal Reserve may reduce borrowing costs in September, but more than one reduction may be needed to spur deal-making in the gambling sector.

The majority of the rumors over the last few years about potential acquisitions of Strip casino hotels have focused on mid- and lower-tier establishments. It's unclear if the Tribe would want something glitzier or if Cherkoee would approve of such locations.

 

Evaluating the Tribal Landscape of Las Vegas

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians of California owns and operates the off-Strip Palms, which is the only gaming establishment in Sin City managed by a Native American tribe after Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment was forced out as the operator of the casino at the off-Strip Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and the Mirage closed.

The Las Vegas Tribal roster will grow to two in 2027 when Hard Rock International reopens Mirage under the operator's well-known name, assuming no acquisitions or brand-new construction.

Cherokee's Sparks declined to provide a timetable for the Tribe's entry into the Las Vegas market during the NCLGS conference.