him take on the old adage that innovation moves faster than regulation can keep up by building “ an adaptable , sustainable regulatory structure that facilitates rapid innovation .
“ Our regulatory framework is comprehensive and forward-thinking , encompassing every type of gaming — whether based on chance , skill , or a combination of both ,” he continues . “ It provides ample opportunities for innovation while ensuring that no form of gaming goes unregulated .”
This , in turn , can explode another perception , that gaming lags three to five years behind the broader entertainment sector . “ Our ambition is for UAE operators to lead the way , becoming global showcases for pioneering gaming technology . These breakthroughs won ’ t just transform gaming ; they ’ ll redefine entertainment , and when a new concept emerges without existing technical standards , we ’ re ready to develop them .”
Few have the opportunity to take such a step into the unknown , and Mullally feels “ incredibly fortunate ” to be part of such a transformative process .
“ Inspiration is all around me ,” he adds . “ I ’ m fortunate to work alongside a team of exceptional professionals who bring unparalleled expertise and passion to everything they do .
“ Our board members have been instrumental in shaping a forward-thinking approach , especially in emphasizing responsible gaming and embedding it into the foundation of this new sector . Our operators are equally driven , demonstrating a strong commitment to leveraging technology and creativity to enhance the consumer experience .”
The market is already up and running , with The UAE Lottery ’ s inaugural draw held on December 14 . The opening date of Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al-Khaimah , the UAE ’ s first integrated resort , is approaching in Q1 2027 . Going forward , Mullally promises a “ deliberate ” approach to further expansion .
“ It ’ s crucial to phase the market introduction thoughtfully to ensure long-term success ,” he says . “ Great things take time , and we ’ re committed to innovating responsibly and laying a foundation for establishing new industry benchmarks .”
But for year one , few would disagree it ’ s off to a strong start . — Robin Harrison
Leaps of Faith
Angela Dauphinais CEO , Seven Clans Casinos & Red Lake Gaming Enterprises
When best-laid plans go awry , Angela Dauphinais knows how to pivot .
In 2019 , the industry veteran and Minnesota native achieved a career benchmark , joining Viejas Casino and Resort in San Diego as marketing director . “ It was incredible ,” she says . “ I met so many wonderful people , and it really elevated my career .”
Covid made quick work of that plan , closing the resort and others around the country . For a time , Dauphinais worked from home while also caring for her two- and four-year-old children .
Abruptly , the plan changed again . The Viejas Band was the first in California to defy government shutdown orders , and Dauphinais was ordered back to work — an impossibility without reliable childcare .
So she took a leap of faith . She left the job she loved , launched a marketing arm for her husband ’ s Native American business consulting firm , and immediately began recruiting new clients .
“ I was very fortunate ,” recalls Dauphinais , a member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians . “ I really didn ’ t skip a beat when it came to working .”
But in mid-2020 , calamity struck again when the family home was destroyed in a Carlsbad wildfire . Again , time to leap . After three months living in a hotel , they pulled up stakes and headed home to Minnesota , where the consulting business continued to grow .
The plan changed again with a call from the chairman of the Red Lake Nation . Would Dauphinais consider accepting the CEO position ?
For a moment , she paused . “ Life was really great ,” she recalls . “ Entrepreneurship was exciting and flexible . It checked all the boxes for me .”
To honor her tribe , she offered to serve as interim CEO for six months . And that ’ s all it took . “ I saw what I could bring to the table ,” she says . She happily accepted the top job .
It was a challenging time for the tribal nation . Its Seven Clans casinos — in Thief River Falls , Warroad and Red Lake — were struggling to return to pre-
Covid operations . An ambitious $ 26 million expansion at Warroad , on the still-closed Canadian border , had become cost-prohibitive .
Dauphinais sized down the Warroad expansion , dividing it into two phases . In March 2023 , the tribe completed the $ 12.4 million addition , which added a 9,000-square-foot slot floor , a new restaurant and sports bar and other attractions .
She also successfully lobbied for alcohol sales at Thief River Falls , a family-oriented property with a water park . “ It ’ s been incredibly profitable . We ’ ve done it very responsibly , and it ’ s definitely taking off .”
At the Red Lake location , she implemented property improvements and new training protocols . The proof is in the profits . In 2023 , the tribal enterprise enjoyed record-setting revenues .
“ In 2022 ,” Dauphinais reflects , “ we were dedicated to growth and rebuilding . In 2023 , we stabilized what had been ramped up . And 2024 was the year of property improvements .”
In the new year , the emphasis will be on people . “ We ’ re planning to increase our wage scale ,” says the CEO . “ It will be expensive , but we ’ re one of the poorest reservations in the country , and we need a strong middle class . This is the year of reinvesting .”
In a state with 23 casinos , she is also developing guest services to boost loyalty , with promotions like a gift continuity program and regular VIP events , “ so we can have the full share of their wallet , not split it with anyone else .”
The past few years have been “ a bumpy road for me ,” says Dauphinais . “ But I ’ m very blessed on the other side of it .
“ I work for my own tribe . I ’ ve brought great casino practices from the most competitive market in the country to rural Minnesota . I lead a womenled organization , leading with compassion and helping our team members grow .
“ I ’ m thankful I was able to pivot .” — Marjorie Preston
JANUARY 2025 www . ggbmagazine . com 29