Ray Pineault: "2024 has been a transformative year for Mohegan"

Native American tribal operator Mohegan Gaming experienced a successful 2024, driven by significant progress in a variety of areas. On the domestic front, its US operations remained as strong as ever, with online gaming proving a key element of the product offering, while international development saw Mohegan open its INSPIRE resort in South Korea, marking its largest investment outside of North America.

Far from slowing down the pace, the operator targets further growth in what promises to be a busy 2025. Applications for new licenses, investments in technology, and an appetite for strategic expansion prove that Mohegan has a busy roadmap for the 12 months ahead, without losing focus of what sets the company apart: the Spirit of Aquai— "a philosophy of mutual respect and hospitality that guides every initiative."

In an interview with Yogonet, Ray Pineault, President and CEO of Mohegan, discusses the operator’s performance over the past year, the trends shaping the gaming industry, and the key challenges and opportunities Mohegan sees for 2025.

This year has been an exciting one for the company, including the opening of its highly anticipated South Korean resort. What is your assessment of 2024, and what were the main highlights for Mohegan over the past 12 months? 

2024 has been a transformative year for Mohegan. One of our proudest achievements was the grand opening of Mohegan INSPIRE in South Korea, our largest investment outside of the United States. This property embodies our vision of creating world-class entertainment and hospitality experiences while reflecting the Spirit of Aquai, our guiding philosophy of respect, welcoming and innovation.

INSPIRE has garnered significant attention thanks to its luxury accommodations, expansive entertainment offerings, and proximity to Incheon International Airport, which positions it as a major hub for international guests.

In addition to INSPIRE, our U.S. operations have continued to grow, and we've embraced new opportunities to elevate guest experiences. Our digital platform, Mohegan Digital, has been instrumental in diversifying our revenue streams, allowing us to engage with a broader audience while maintaining our reputation for delivering exceptional entertainment and gaming experiences.

We’re also proud of being named one of Newsweek's “Global Most Loved Workplaces,” which highlights our commitment to fostering a culture of respect and collaboration.

Turning to the U.S. market, what are your expectations for the upcoming year? What can you tell us about new opportunities in the domestic market, such as the application process in New York and the growing role of digital within Mohegan's operations? 

The U.S. market continues to present incredible opportunities, and we're optimistic about 2025. One of our primary focuses is securing a New York casino license through our bid for Freedom Plaza. This project reflects our deep understanding of what New Yorkers and visitors value in an integrated entertainment destination that combines gaming, dining, cultural experiences, and sustainability. Winning this license would make Mohegan a key player in one of the world's most dynamic markets.

On the digital side, Mohegan Digital is expanding its footprint, enhancing how we connect with guests. The integration of online gaming has allowed us to meet the demands of an increasingly tech-savvy audience, complementing our brick-andmortar operations. We're excited about further innovations in this space, including AI-driven personalization and tools that support responsible gaming, ensuring every guest interaction is meaningful and safe.

Mohegan's flagship resort in Connecticut

Where do you see the gaming industry heading in 2025, and what should we expect from Mohegan over the next few years? Any trends you see gaining momentum? Any obstacles the industry should try to work on overcoming?

Looking ahead to 2025, we anticipate continued innovation in the gaming industry. Digital gaming will play an even greater role, seamlessly blending with physical operations to create omnichannel experiences. AI and data analytics will further enhance how we personalize guest interactions and improve operational efficiencies. At the same time, sustainability will become a cornerstone of industry practices, with operators striving to minimize their environmental impact while maintaining growth. 

In the longer term, we will continue to focus on strategic expansion and innovation. Projects like our South Korea resort and the New York application highlight our commitment to growth in key markets. At the same time, our digital and AI initiatives will keep us at the forefront of technological advancements.

One area the industry needs to continue to focus on is responsible gaming. Operators must invest in responsible gaming measures and build trust with stakeholders by demonstrating transparency and a commitment to ethical practices. Mohegan has done a lot of work in this area to make sure gaming remains something that is a fun and entertaining social and recreational activity.

We are excited about our future, and will continue to focus on what has made us successful – offering great experiences, exceptional service and staying true to the Spirit of Aquai—a philosophy of mutual respect and hospitality— which guides every initiative.