Tunica-Biloxi Takes Over Management of Paragon Casino from Mohegan Gaming

Posted on: June 11, 2021, 11:49h. 

Last updated on: July 19, 2021, 02:55h.

Steve Bittenbender Read More
Expertise: Legislation, Sports Betting, Horse Racing.

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana announced on Thursday that its gaming authority has assumed management duties of the nation’s Paragon Casino Resort.

Paragon Casino
The exterior of the Paragon Casino Resort. On Thursday, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana announced it had resumed management of the casino, ending an arrangement it had with Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment (Image: Paragon Casino Resort/Facebook)

The Tunica-Biloxi Gaming Authority takes over from Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment (MGE), which has worked with the tribe since 2016. In October 2018, the two parties entered into an arrangement allowing MGE to serve as the operational partner. That came after Mohegan provided consulting services.

According to a statement Thursday, over the course of the partnership, Paragon has been able to reduce its debt obligations by two-thirds. It has restructured the remainder on “very favorable terms” and is on pace to be debt-free by 2028.

The casino has also reinstated several employee benefits. The benefits include a 401k match and a bonus program. Paragon also has raised wages.

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe is grateful for the management and leadership Mohegan Sun has provided the Tribe,” said Marshall Pierite, chairman of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana in a statement. “This has been a true Nation-to-Nation collaboration, and we will continue to work with Mohegan Sun for the overall benefit of Indian Country to ensure the growth, empowerment, and benefit of our sovereignty for generations to come.”

Paragon Casino Resort is located in Marksville, roughly 70 miles northwest of Baton Rouge.

Mohegan Supports Tunica-Biloxi Move

In the same statement, MGE officials expressed confidence Tunica-Biloxi officials would build on the casino’s current momentum.

Other improvements Mohegan helped to implement included a revamping of the casino’s interior, using Mississippi River-themed carpeting throughout the gaming floor. It also oversaw a rebranding, which included new marketing collaterals.

“This has been a great business partnership built on understanding and the mutual respect of our tribal journeys,” Mohegan Chairman James Gessner said. “We look forward to continuing our work together on national issues and making Indian Country stronger and safer for all indigenous people.”

Besides the Mohegan Sun, MGE’s flagship resort located in Connecticut, the gaming company also operates the Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City and the recently opened Mohegan Sun Casino at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Other properties it owns or manages are in Ontario, Pennsylvania, and Washington state.

Next year, the company plans to open a $5 billion resort in Incheon, South Korea. It’s also planning a casino resort in Athens, Greece.

About Paragon Casino

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana was federally recognized 40 years ago. In 1994, it opened Paragon, which serves as the largest employer in central Louisiana.

Since opening, the casino has contributed more than $40 million to local communities through the gaming compact it reached with the state.

The Class III casino features more than 72,000 square feet, and when fully reopened, offers more than 2,200 slot machines and 55 table games.

Other amenities at the resort include a spa, golf course, and meeting rooms.