Native Issues
Tribal gaming
Sep 11, 2025

Pechanga executive highlights collaboration among California tribes


September 11, 2025

Pechanga Resort Casino President Sean Vasquez said California tribes are balancing competition with cooperation as they defend their role as the state’s only sanctioned gaming operators, according to SBC Americas. Vasquez said tribes may compete for customers on weekends but stand together in Sacramento to oppose commercial gaming. He credited organizations such as the California Nations Indian Gaming Association and the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations with creating alliances that benefit all tribes.

Vasquez also described California tribal gaming as a spectrum, from billion-dollar operations such as Pechanga, San Manuel and Morongo to smaller rural casinos. He said partnerships, including Pechanga’s rewards program with The Venetian in Las Vegas, strengthen sovereignty and help tribes secure long-term economic stability.

We provide the independent reporting that non-Native, extractive outlets often overlook. We give our communities the context and the facts they need to make informed decisions.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we exist to illuminate tribal government decision-making for everyone who cares about transparency about Native issues. Because the consequences of restricted press freedom affect our communities every day, our trauma-informed reporting is rooted in a deep, firsthand expertise. Every gift helps keep the fire burning. A monthly contribution makes the biggest impact.