In one of gaming history's most remarkable reversals, Native American tribes—once excluded from Nevada's gaming industry entirely—have become major Strip operators. The acquisitions of the 2020s represent a profound shift in who controls Las Vegas.

The San Manuel Acquisition

In 2021, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians acquired the Palms Casino Resort for $650 million, becoming the first tribe to own a Las Vegas casino. The tribe, operators of the successful Yaamava' Resort in California, brought sophisticated gaming expertise developed over three decades.

Mohegan at Virgin Hotels

The Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut partnered with Virgin Hotels to manage the former Hard Rock Hotel, rebranded as Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Their experience operating Mohegan Sun, one of the world's largest casinos, translated to Strip operations.

The Seminole-Hard Rock-Mirage Deal

The most significant acquisition came when the Seminole Tribe of Florida, through their Hard Rock International subsidiary, agreed to purchase The Mirage from MGM Resorts for $1.075 billion. The iconic volcano-fronted property—birthplace of the megaresort era—would become tribal property.

The Historical Irony

For decades, Nevada gaming interests lobbied against tribal gaming expansion nationwide. Now tribes are purchasing the very properties those interests built. The reversal reflects both tribal economic success and the changing economics of legacy Strip properties.