More than 40% of the federally recognized Native American tribes in the United States own at least one casino. All together, they account for 532 establishments in 29 states, according to the National Indian Gaming Commission. Yet only one of those is operating today in Las Vegas.
That would be the Palms, which became the first Native American-owned and operated casino in Southern Nevada when the San Bernardino-based Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation purchased it in 2021. It will likely remain the only one through 2027, when the Seminole Tribe of Florida-owned Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is expected to open at the former site of the Mirage.
Since the acquisition, tribal leaders like San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority Vice Chairwoman Carla Rodriguez have gradually ushered in aesthetic changes like new artwork at the Strip-adjacent property that better reflect its ownership and history.
