HIGHLAND, CALIF. (April 11, 2022) — San Manuel Entertainment Authority (SMEA), an entity of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians (the “Tribe”), announced today the development of a next generation responsible gaming program in preparation for new forms of gaming poised to enter California’s Indian Country.
For decades, SMEA has been deeply invested in providing safeguards for guests so that gaming remains a fun and safe activity. SMEA has implemented what is considered to be industry-leading responsible gaming practices at its Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel (formerly San Manuel Casino). Through the years, the Tribe has funded research and training partnerships with the California Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG), UCLA, and other institutions focused on safe gaming practices.
As sports betting and online gaming become more prevalent across the country, SMEA is committed to ensuring that gaming remains a safe and fun form of entertainment.
SMEA will collaborate with responsible gaming experts at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ International Gaming Institute (IGI) to leverage its pioneering research and methods in this area in a multi-phased research and implementation partnership.
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino General Manager Peter Arceo says the program will align with long-held Tribal values of community stewardship and putting people before business.
“At Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel, keeping gaming fun and safe is our number one priority. For years, we have been recognized for our efforts in responsible gaming, which includes the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians being named ‘Responsible Business of the Year’ in 2021,” Arceo says. “We are excited to merge Tribal values of empowering communities and remaining at the forefront of providing resources for responsible gaming. SMEA is pursuing programming that meets our casino guests where they are, and where they are going so that they can be empowered to make responsible decisions.”
The partnership between IGI’s world-renowned experts and SMEA is expected to result in a values-based approach to support casino guests in developing healthy gaming habits, against a backdrop of emerging technologies and changing legislation.
"What is so impressive is that both partners in this project possess award-winning, shared, and longstanding commitments to responsible gaming. Collectively, our IGI team has more than 100 years’ experience of working on cutting-edge, values-driven, and culturally resonant RG programming on all six continents. We look forward to a collaboration that we believe will introduce a new level of research-based programs that reflect centuries of cultural commitment to community by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians," says Bo Bernhard, Vice President of Economic Development and Executive Director of UNLV International Gaming Institute.
About San Manuel Entertainment Authority
The San Manuel Entertainment Authority (SMEA) was created for the purpose of carrying out the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians’ ownership and management of gaming and hospitality assets and operations on the San Manuel Reservation.
About University of Nevada, Las Vegas International Gaming Institute
For more than 25 years, UNLV International Gaming Institute (IGI) has provided research-based solutions, cutting-edge insights, and executive education to the gaming industry. Described as the “global intellectual capital of gaming” by former Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval and “The Harvard of Gaming” by Global Gaming Business, IGI houses several Responsible Gaming initiatives, the Center for Gaming Innovation, the International Center for Gaming Regulation, and the Expanding the Leaderverse initiative. Each of these addresses a vital need in the global gaming industry, for which the IGI serves as an answer center populated by an internationally recognized dream team of contributors. For more information, please visit igi.unlv.edu.
