Mohegan Tribe Expands Gaming Nationally

The Mohegan Tribe is looking to capitalize on the success of its Mohegan Sun casino by taking its gambling business nationwide.

The tribe is looking to play a major role in developing and managing an Indian casino near Chicago, and is working with other tribes to open casinos in California and Washington.

"What is our core competency? It is gaming," said Peter Schultz, vice chairman of the Mohegan Tribal Council. He said the Mohegans' "pragmatic sense" could be a valuable asset to tribes just entering the gambling business.

Native Americans have been largely dependent on outside financing from non-Indians to finance and build casinos and resorts. But the 1,600-member Mohegan Tribe has $1.3 billion in annual revenue from the Mohegan Sun, giving it the ability to finance outside projects.

The Mohegans loaned the 8,000-member Menominee Tribe $3.1 million toward a planned $700 million casino development in Kenosha, Wis., about an hour north of Chicago.

The Mohegans also are considering deals with the Cowlitz Tribe for a casino 25 miles north of Portland, Ore., and with the Torres Martinez Band of Cahuilla Indians from Palm Springs, Calif.

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