MGM Mirage, Tribe Sign Casino Deal

Las Vegas Strip resort operator MGM Mirage has signed an agreement with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians to help the California tribe develop a casino in downtown Palm Springs.

The agreement marks the casino giant’s first move into Indian gambling, though the company is pursuing other arrangements with tribes nationwide.

Unlike deals other major casino operators have struck with tribes, MGM Mirage won’t manage the casino but will serve as a consultant.

MGM Mirage Chief Executive Terry Lanni said the tribe sought help only in the design and development of the casino.

The company said it would receive a modest consulting fee based on the project’s construction cost, which has yet to be determined.

The tribe owns the upscale Spa Resort Casino on nine acres in downtown Palm Springs and the Agua Caliente Casino, a locals’ casino, off Interstate 10 near Rancho Mirage. It expects to build a casino across the street from the existing Spa Resort Casino and demolish a hotel to make room.