Making it Real
For the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians , the ability to purchase and develop commercial real estate has been the foundation for non-gaming revenue . San Manuel has invested in real estate across Southern California . With an eye for redevelopment , San Manuel holds parcels at San Bernadino International Airport , the former Norton Air Force Base , and in communities near the tribe ’ s San Bernardino reservation .
Phase two for development of the San Manuel Village began in 2011 , and included the opening of Mi Cocina , a Mexican restaurant , St . Bernadine ’ s hospital urgent region care and the San Manuel Event Center , a state-of-the-art facility for hosting social events and business meetings .
“ San Manuel has learned to find partners that are committed to long-term , sustainable growth models to our stable tenants at San Manuel Village ,” says Valbuena . “ Both San Bernardino ’ s urgent care and Mi Cocina opened as part of San Manuel Village phasetwo projects , and have served the community for decades . As a sovereign tribal nation , San Manuel engages in economic development with an eye toward securing long-term , reliable and diverse government revenue streams . The tribe is finding success with business partners who share a long-term approach .”
Looking Up at Northern Quest
54 CASINO DESIGN 2015
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The San Manuel tribe has developed San Manuel Village , a 12-acre mixed-use development adjacent to its casino
As a sovereign tribal nation , San Manuel engages in economic development with an eye toward securing long-term , reliable and diverse government revenue streams .
— San Manuel Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena
”
The Kalispel Tribe , operator of the Northern Quest Resort and Casino , also shares a dedication to provide the best experience possible for both gaming and non-gaming guests . Offering the non-gaming amenities allowed the tribe to further establish service standards , product quality and an elevated guest experience .
On the property are a AAA Four Diamond and Forbes Four Star-rated hotel resort , 14 restaurants and lounges — including a AAA Four Diamond restaurant — a Forbes Four Star-rated spa , 1,200-seat indoor and 4,200-seat outdoor music venues , and over 22,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space .
“ In addition to developing these amenities as part of our casino resort property , the Kalispel Tribe has branched out with a commercial laundry service , a Chevron-franchised gas and convenience store and a Fatburger franchise with two locations , one of which is a freestanding location away from the resort ,” says Thomas .
These amenities have allowed Northern Quest to become a serious player in the heavily populated Northern California casino market .
The Santa Fe System
The non-gaming revenue system at Buffalo Thunder in Santa Fe thrives more on its outdoor experience to take advantage of the warm climate in New Mexico . This includes having a music-festival concert on the driving range of its golf course .
Combining physical resources such as golf courses , pools , rooftops and even hotel lobbies to generate nongaming revenue is a major trend within the entire gaming industry . “ We are constantly looking at bringing different types of events to the property ,” says Stachowski . “ It brings in a different type of clientele under a new circumstance for both the casino and our guests .”
Buffalo Thunder also places a heavy emphasis on food and beverage revenue , including hosting an international beer-tasting festival last spring . In May , the casino hosted a poolside barbecue event that featured a 72- ounce steak-eating contest .
“ Our goal is to have
people who have never
The Towa Golf Club at the Buffalo Thunder Casino Resort near Santa Fe , New Mexico been here to come , then
tell their friends how much fun they had ,” says Stachowski . “ And at Buffalo Thunder , that could be accomplished by experiencing a variety of amenities on our property .”
Focusing on the Future
Future financial success for tribal casinos is definitely not limited to the roll the dice , the pull the slot handle or the dealing of the cards . Tribal casinos have made the transition to tribal entertainment venues and resorts , with best-in-class amenities , facilities and service domestically and even internationally .
This allows the leaders of the tribal casinos to see their role in much larger view than their predecessors a decade ago . Now they can truly position themselves as regional destinations with hotel , entertainment , dining and nightlife options every day of the year .
“ What I expect in the next few years is a busier midweek with more hotel rooms sold , and that is why we renovated our rooms ,” says Gagnon . “ These amenities benefit us , and now all we have to do is continue to build more awareness .”