Nevada Gaming Commission Makes Historic Decision Allowing San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority to Assume Ownership of Palms Casino Resort.

Nevada declares San Manuel Gaming owner of Palms Casino Resort

The Nevada Gaming Commission has approved the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority as the licensee for The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. SMGHA Nevada, an affiliate of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, is scheduled to complete the purchase and take ownership of Palms Casino Resort, with intentions to reopen in the spring of next year.

Palms also features over 700 hotel rooms and suites, several casual and upscale eating options, conference and convention space, a 2,500-seat theater, pool, and spa, and Palms Place residences. Recruitment is underway for over 1,000 vacancies in the real-money casino, operations, hotel management, food and beverage, and supervisory levels.

Prior to the property’s opening, the Tribe contributed more than $10 million to Las Vegas-area community groups and nonprofits, including UNLV’s William F. Harrah College of Hospitality and William S. Boyd School of Law; the Public Education Foundation; Three Square Food Bank; and Shade Tree Shelter. Additionally, through sponsorships with the Las Vegas Raiders, Allegiant Stadium, and the Vegas Golden Knights, the Tribe has associated with local sports teams.

The Tribe inaugurated the first phase of a three-phase expansion project at the casino earlier this year, adding over 6,500 slot machines, a new high-limit gaming room, retail stores, bars, and new eateries.

“We are honored to share our long-standing legacy of hospitality with Las Vegas and to carry out our vision for this historic property, beginning with the return of former and present Palms workers,” SMGHA chairwoman Latisha Casas said. “We will write history together.”

“We would want to express our heartfelt appreciation to Red Rock Resorts and their leadership team,” said Laurens Vosloo, a member of the SMGHA’s management committee. “We are really appreciative of their assistance and continued relationship as we navigated the ownership transfer.”

In agreement with Vosloo, Palms’ general manager, Cynthia Kiser Murphey, stated that reaching the milestone was an honor. “As we move forward, it is critical that we include the Tribe’s strong beliefs and culture into all we do on the property,” she concluded.

“From our team member culture to our great guest service, our goal is to create a vibrant and enjoyable environment for not just our guests, but also our dedicated workers.”

About the San Manuel Gaming Authority 

The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority (“SMGHA”), an affiliate of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians (“San Manuel” or the “Tribe”), announced today that they have been approved as licensees for the Palms Casino Resort (“Palms”) in Las Vegas by the Nevada Gaming Commission. With this permission, SMGHA Nevada, LLC, a subsidiary of SMGHA, is set to complete the transaction and take ownership of Palms Casino Resort, which is scheduled to reopen in the spring of next year.

Prior to the property’s opening, the Tribe contributed more than $10 million to Las Vegas-based community groups and nonprofits, including UNLV’s William F. Harrah College of Hospitality and William S. Boyd School of Law; the Public Education Foundation; Three Square Food Bank; and Shade Tree Shelter, to name a few. Additionally, through sponsorships with the Las Vegas Raiders, Allegiant Stadium, and the Vegas Golden Knights, the Tribe has associated with local sports teams.

In Highland, California, the Tribe owns and runs Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel (previously San Manuel Casino). What began 35 years ago as a small bingo hall has grown into one of Southern California’s leading gambling, entertainment, and culinary attractions. The Tribe inaugurated the first phase of a three-phase expansion project at the casino earlier this year, adding over 6,500 slot machines, a new high-limit gaming room, retail stores, bars, and new eateries. The Tribe recently celebrated the resort at Yaamava’s grand opening, which includes 432 guest rooms and 127 luxurious suites, a pool, private cabanas, a full-service spa and salon, and new food and beverage options. The development will conclude in 2022 with the opening of a 2,800-seat entertainment arena.

The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority is a government entity founded by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, a federally recognized Indian tribe, with the purpose of investing in, owning, and managing gaming and hospitality businesses located outside the San Manuel Reservation. San Manuel is a top-10 private employer in San Bernardino County, with almost 6,000 team members. The Great Places to Work Institute has recognized San Manuel as a Great Place to Work®.