Cherokee Nation Chairman Says Not ‘Just Yet’ on Tribe Buying Las Vegas Casino

Cherokee Nation Entertainment, the gaming division of the Native American tribe of the same name, does not have a Las Vegas location, but it is open to the concept in the long run. 

In comments delivered earlier Saturday at the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) in Pittsburgh, Cherokee Nation Gaming Commission Chairman John Sparks stated that the Tribe is not aiming to enter Las Vegas "at this time." Nonetheless, Sparks did not indicate that the Tribe is firmly against potentially visiting the US casino center in the future. 

At present, the Cherokee Nation operates eight casinos in Oklahoma and is largely considered the leading contender to secure a gaming license in Pope County, Arkansas. Just more than two years back, the Tribe gave MGM Resorts International $450 million for the Gold Strike Hotel & Casino located in Tunica, Miss. 

Cherokee Nation Would Probably Require Purchase to Obtain Las Vegas Casino 

Cherokee Nation Entertainment ranks among the largest Tribal gaming organizations in the US, suggesting it probably possesses the financial means to eventually venture into Las Vegas, likely requiring an acquisition to achieve this. 

Sparks did not make remarks to that effect at the NCLGS conference. Although the rumors about consolidation in the gaming industry continue to circulate, there are no Strip casinos officially on the market right now. The same applies to substantial off-Strip locations, and currently, there is only one downtown gaming establishment officially available for sale. 

Moreover, certain analysts suggest that elevated interest rates pose a challenge to casino mergers and acquisitions since numerous potential buyers are reluctant to fund transactions at higher borrowing expenses. There’s a chance the Federal Reserve will reduce borrowing costs in September, but it might require multiple cuts to stimulate deal-making in the gaming industry. 

In recent years, most of the rumors about Strip casino hotels that might be sold have focused on mid- and lower-tier establishments. It's unclear whether Cherkoee would enjoy such venues or if the Tribe might favor something more extravagant. 

Evaluating the Tribal Landscape of Las Vegas 

With Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment no longer operating the off-Strip Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and the closing of the Mirage, the only gaming facility in Sin City managed by a Native American tribe is the off-Strip Palms, owned and operated by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians from California. 

Barring any acquisitions or entirely new developments, the Las Vegas Tribal roster will expand to two in 2027 when Hard Rock International relaunches Mirage featuring the operator’s well-known brand. 

During the NCLGS conference, Sparks from Cherokee did not disclose a timeline for the Tribe's entry into the Las Vegas market.