Interview with Ray Pineault, CEO of Mohegan Gaming

Introduction

• Interviewer: Stephanie from Gaming America
• Interviewee: Ray Pineault, CEO of Mohegan Gaming
• Location: East Coast, USA

Key Topics & Questions

Events at Mohegan Properties

• Importance of events across all properties (Connecticut, Canada, Pennsylvania, Washington, New Jersey).
• Types of events: concerts, Wine Fest, barbecue fest, hot summer fun, whiskey fest, cigar events, celebrity events, etc.
• Objective: Drive traffic, create buzz, attract different demographics.
• No single favorite event, but emphasis on continuous guest engagement and event growth.
• Team's hard work in ensuring smooth operation and guest satisfaction.

Sports Betting Impact

• Sports betting considered a localized activity (90% online).
• Minimal change in entertainment habits due to sports betting.
• Opportunity to attract new guests from Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island.
• Mohegan's properties with sportsbooks: Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Las Vegas, Washington State, upcoming in Niagara.

Working with Different Sports Book Partners

• Partners include FanDuel (Connecticut), Betfred (Las Vegas), Kindred/Unibet (Pennsylvania), Camby (Niagara).
• All partners chosen for specific reasons and experienced in sports wagering.
• Positive relationships with all sportsbook partners, no need to reinvent the wheel.

New York City Casino Bid

• Partnership with Solovieff Group due to shared values: family-oriented, community care, environmental responsibility, social responsibility.
• Symbiotic relationship with Solovieff Group, strong collaborative work over several months.
• Discussions on Community integration and project size and details ongoing.
• Uncertainty about including tribal history in the proposed Democracy Museum.

Future of the ilani Casino and Cowlitz Tribe

• Partnership with ilani and the Cowlitz Tribe continues until next July.
• Transition plan for the property to ensure smooth operation post-agreement.
• Pride in partnership and support for the tribe’s self-determination.

Inspire Entertainment Resort in South Korea

• Ambitious project akin to Connecticut property: 3 million sq. ft. in one phase.
• Features: 3 hotels (1200 rooms), 15,000-seat arena, climate-controlled water park, Convention Center, Entertainment spaces, casino, retail, dining.
• Scheduled soft launch in Q4, pending government approvals for the casino license.
• Focus on non-gaming amenities to attract local guests and tourists.

Running Foreign Players-Only Casino Floor

• Key difference: enforcing passport checks to ensure only foreigners gamble.
• Similar operations apart from passport requirement.

Future Projects

• Major focus on completing South Korea and securing the New York license.
• Exploration of another undisclosed opportunity.
• Continuous effort by development team to seek new ventures.

Closing

• Appreciation for the comprehensive discussion on Mohegan’s projects and vision.