Pechanga executive highlights collaboration among California tribes

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.