The International Casino Conference (ICC) will be held on Monday, February 6th at the ExCel London’s Capital Suite. This conference brings together 150 influential leaders in the land-based casino industry to discuss various topics such as emerging markets, regulation, politics, and the latest news in ongoing casino development.
One of the highlights of ICC will be a presentation by Laurens Vosloo, the CEO of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and a management committee member at the San Manuel Gaming & Hospitality Authority. Vosloo will provide exclusive insights into the acquisition of the Palms Casino Resort by his tribe. This resort managed to open just 132 days after receiving its operating license in April 2022.
Another keynote presenter at ICC will be Cynthia Kiser Murphey, the general manager at Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas. Together with Vosloo, she will discuss the historic achievement of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians in becoming the first Native American tribe to wholly own and operate a casino resort in Las Vegas. This acquisition generated significant interest from other tribes striving to establish the first tribal-owned casino resort in the city.
Vosloo stated, “Owning a casino resort in the entertainment and gaming mecca of Las Vegas was a long-term vision realized as part of the tribe’s investment and diversification strategy.” Murphey added, “At the International Casino Conference, we will share the story of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and their groundbreaking achievement in Las Vegas.”
Murphey highlighted the logistical challenges they faced during the project, including sourcing, hiring, and training 1,200 team members within a four-month period. Additionally, they had to overcome strategic sourcing and supply chain issues unique to a tribal entity operating a casino resort in Las Vegas. Nevertheless, the dedication and spirit of the original Palms team members played a vital role in the ongoing success of the resort.
ICE London 2023, another significant event in the gaming industry, will take place from February 7th to 9th. To register for this event, click here.