Mohegan CEO Ray Pineault: Winning a Casino License in New York City a ‘Major Priority’
Mohegan, the gaming firm owned by Connecticut’s Mohegan Tribe, is currently undergoing its most significant operational focus shift in nearly 30 years of history.
Mohegan has recently concluded its management agreements in Atlantic City at Resorts and in Las Vegas at Virgin Hotels. The business previously referred to as Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment also stopped running the ilani Casino Resort in Washington.
It's not that Mohegan is limiting its operational exposure. On the contrary. Mohegan, now one of the biggest tribal gaming operators in the nation and a significant force in the commercial casino sector, is making substantial investments in its own projects. Moreover, the company is not restricting itself to the US.
In March, Mohegan launched the initial phase of Inspire, a $1.6 billion casino resort integrated at Incheon International Airport in South Korea. The venue catering to Seoul features 1,275 guest rooms, a 15K-capacity arena, an indoor water park under a stunning glass dome perfect for Instagram, an engaging entertainment experience, and a casino area with 150 live dealer tables, 373 slot machines, and a 176-seat electronic gaming arena.
Mohegan's President and CEO Ray Pineault shared with Casino.org in a recent discussion that South Korea represents “an exciting market with considerable growth opportunities in tourism, particularly in the area of integrated resorts.” He states that Inspire enables Mohegan to reach a global audience, extending the brand almost 7,000 miles from the tribe's territory in Uncasville, Connecticut.
“[Inspire] enables Mohegan to introduce a brand of entertainment to a new demographic, while advancing the Tribe’s goals of economic diversification and long-term sustainability,” Pineault added.
Mental State of New York
Inspire assisted Mohegan in achieving record revenue during its third quarter of 2024. The company, nevertheless, isn’t idle. Back in the USA, obtaining one of the three sought-after New York casino licenses is at the top of Mohegan’s priorities.
Mohegan has teamed up with the Soloviev Group for a combined resort casino located on Manhattan’s East Side, directly south of the United Nations headquarters. Named Freedom Plaza, the plan features a casino area of 280,000 square feet, 1,251 hotel rooms, 56,000 square feet for conferences, a wellness and spa retreat from Banyan Tree, an infinity pool on the rooftop, and 30 dining and drinking establishments.
"Winning a New York license is a major priority, as it aligns with our strategy to expand into key markets,” Pineault told Casino.org. “New York presents an incredible opportunity due to its vast population and appeal as a global entertainment hub.”
To distinguish its proposal from a saturated field that features casino behemoths such as MGM Resorts, Las Vegas Sands, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn Resorts, Mohegan and Soloviev plan to construct 1,325 residential units at the resort location. Over 500 affordable housing units would be under rent control. The initiative also encompasses nearly 4.8 acres of public green area.
“A distinctive aspect of our proposal is our commitment to affordable housing as well as significant outdoor open green space. We understand that sustainable growth includes contributing to the local community’s needs beyond entertainment. By integrating a comprehensive housing plan and open green space into Freedom Plaza, we are addressing vital needs in New York,” Pineault added.
Mohegan's NYC Betting Odds
In a competitive landscape for the three downstate New York casinos, which, along with the previously mentioned companies, features Hard Rock International, another tribal-owned venture linked to the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Mohegan’s greatest strength may lie in its workforce. Mohegan has consistently been acknowledged as a top workplace by its staff, and in June, Newsweek honored Mohegan with a spot on its “Most Loved Workplaces” list for 2024.
"Mohegan’s culture is rooted in the Spirit of Aquai, our guiding philosophy emphasizing respect, cooperation, mutual respect, and relationship-building. These values shape how we engage with our team members, guests, and communities,” said Pineault. “We prioritize creating a supportive, inclusive, and purpose-driven workplace where every team member is valued and empowered to grow,” he added.
At this point, the leading candidates for New York's downstate licenses are reportedly MGM and Genting. These companies respectively manage Empire City Casino located in Yonkers and Resorts World New York City situated in Queens. Both locations are racinos that currently can only provide slot-like video lottery machines and electronic table games.
The New York Gaming Facility Location Board will ultimately determine whether Mohegan and Soloviev's proposal is one of the three most competitive. The state agency has set a deadline of Dec. 1, 2025, to announce its three winners.