Interview with Laura Penny, CEO of Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel

Introduction

• Host: Brian Joseph, Las Vegas correspondent
• Guest: Laura Penny, CEO of Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel
• Location: Worley, Idaho
• Operated by: Coeur d'Alene Tribe
• Major employer in North Idaho

About the Coeur d'Alene Tribe and Casino

• Celebrating 31st anniversary in March
• Significant cultural preservation efforts
• Started as a bingo hall
• Major investments in tribe and community

Clientele

• 300-mile market area including Eastern WA, Western MT, Eastern OR, Canada
• Primary market: Spokane, Coeur d'Alene
• Main draws: fun, dynamic gaming experience, escape
• Amenities: Circling Raven Golf Club (ranked #1 in Idaho), spa, scenic location

Casino and Amenities

• 1,300 gaming machines (reduced from 2,000 due to COVID for better spacing)
• Bingo on weekends including Monday
• 300 hotel rooms, 15,000 sq ft spa, 6 restaurants
• Beautiful surroundings with pine trees, mountains
• Favorite restaurant: Chinook (offers crab legs, steak, salmon)

Traditional Tribal Hospitality

• Value of hospitality rooted in tribal culture
• Known as "Welcome Home" service

Professional Journey of Laura Penny

• Began as economic development planner
• Involved in initial decision to enter gaming industry
• Held multiple positions within the casino
• Took pride in job creation and community support
• Commitment of 5% net profits to education

Issues in Tribal Gaming

• Main issue: protecting tribal sovereignty
• Examples: threats from online gaming, sports betting, historical horse racing
• Confusions about sovereignty and Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA)
• Need for education on distinction between government gaming and commercial gaming

Leaders in Tribal Gaming

• Praised tribes: Mashantucket Pequot (Foxwoods), Choctaw, and Oneida
• Noted influence and support from other tribes in early days
• Emphasis on sovereignty and collaboration

Future of Tribal Gaming

• Analysts foresee tribal operators becoming top U.S. gaming operators
• Examples: San Manuel (The Palms, Vegas), Seminole Tribe (Hard Rock)
• Confidence in continued success and expansion

Tribal Member Employment

• Emphasis on hiring and investing in tribal members for high positions
• New training manager to formalize growth and development program
• Aim to elevate members to management and leadership roles

Regulatory Oversight

• Highly regulated at three levels: federal, tribal, state
• Federal level: Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), National Indian Gaming Commission
• State agreements for specific operations
• Tribal level: Coeur d'Alene Tribal Gaming Commission (separate from casino operations)

Future Plans for 2024

• Overcoming challenges since 2019 (COVID, economy)
• Focus on efficiency and communication
• Competing for discretionary spending
• Emphasis on providing unique gaming experience
• Strategic planning for investment and expansion (possible new ventures on lake, RV park, replacing hotel wing)

Golf Course

• Circling Raven Golf Club: no development, natural beauty
• Wildlife: nesting eagles, elk
• Golf popularity surged post-COVID