Interview with Eric Barbero, General Manager of Chicken Ranch Casino

Background & Journey to Chicken Ranch Casino

• Early Beginnings: Moved to Las Vegas in the late 90s, started as a valet attendant and moved up the ranks.
  • Worked at MGM and Station Casinos, Pen National Gaming.
  • Spent 20 years on the Las Vegas Strip.
• Family: Met wife in Las Vegas, son turning nine.
• Transition: Moved to Lake Tahoe, then to Chicken Ranch Casino due to a unique project opportunity with the tribe.

Promotion to General Manager

• Reception: Well-received on social media due to strong support from industry peers.
• Goals: Align personal and business goals with the new role.

Chicken Ranch Rancheria Miwok Indians of California

• Tribe Background: Young tribe, resilient, achieved 38 years of sovereignty.
• Economic Development: Not just casino-focused; includes community support, water, and sewer treatment facilities.

Casino Operations & Expansion

• Current Operations: 18+ age, non-alcoholic, one restaurant, expanded restaurant, table games, class three slot machines.
• Future Vision:
  • Resort: Las Vegas-styled, all-glass design.
  • Gaming Expansion: Increase from 350 to ~1000 machines, table games from 9 to 22.
  • Hotel: 5-story, 175 rooms with 22 suites.
  • Amenities: Enhanced food and beverage, additional tourist attractions (golfing, fishing, hiking).

Clientele & Market

• Current: Loyal local gaming customers.
• Expansion: Hotel and convention space to attract a broader audience, including tourists en route to Yosemite.
• Community Impact: Enhancing tourism and local economy.

Unique Branding

• Embrace the Chicken Theme: Fun and unique branding strategy, driven by the brand and guest experience director.

Tribal Gaming vs Traditional Gaming

• Differences:
  • Purpose: Focus on community and long-term success, not just shareholders.
  • Stability: No frequent property transitions as seen in Las Vegas.
• Challenges:
  • Sovereignty: Legal battles for tribal rights and fair compacts.
  • Change Management: Adapting to rapid growth and new opportunities.

Leading Tribal Gaming Operators

• Successful Examples: Hard Rock, San Manuel.
• Resilience: Admiration for tribes' perseverance and achievements.
• Collaboration: Monthly calls with other GMs, learning from shared experiences.

Future of Tribal Gaming

• Potential: Tribal operators potentially becoming top gaming operators in the US due to unique market footholds and effective leadership.
• Support System: Strength in collaboration among tribes.

Commitment to Community

• Examples: Building fire stations, contributing to local infrastructure.
• Hiring Practices: Tribal preference in hiring, developing future leaders from within the tribe.

Regulatory Environment

• Oversight: Moving from state to federal (NIGC) level oversight, emphasizing sovereignty.
• New Ventures: Casino operations focused on growth and revenue while adhering to tribal governance.

Upcoming Developments for Chicken Ranch Casino

• Current Offerings: 9 table games, 580 slot machines, bingo hall, restaurant, coffee shop, excellent Players Club.
• Future Offerings:
  • Hotel & Resort: 9-story resort, expanding gaming and hotel capacity, nightlife options, event space.
  • Marketing: Continue with unique “Wild at Heart” branding and promotions.
  • Community Integration: Enhance local tourism and community development.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• 2024 Milestones: Expected to be a historic year for the Miwok tribe with resort opening and legal victories.
• Leadership: Under the guidance of Chairman Lloyd Matson, focused on sustained growth and community support.
• Eric's Role: Excitement for new challenges and contributing to the tribe's future success.

Overall: The interview highlights Eric Barbero's journey and vision for the future of Chicken Ranch Casino, emphasizing community integration, expansion, and the unique aspects of working within tribal gaming.