HIGHLAND, CA – San Manuel Entertainment Authority (SMEA), an entity of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, has announced 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 invested in providing safeguards for guests so that gaming remains a fun and safe activity. SMEA has implemented an industry-leading responsible gaming practices at its Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel. 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 has 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,” said Arceo. “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. 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 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,” said Bo Bernhard, VP of Economic Development and Executive Director of UNLV International Gaming Institute. “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.”
