After 20 years with the Mohegan Tribe – including roles as President and General Manager of Mohegan Sun Connecticut and most recently Chief Operating Officer – Ray brings extensive legal and business expertise to his position as CEO.
In this role, Ray is responsible for the overall success of Mohegan by aligning with the Board to create and execute the company’s global vision and strategy. He drives company culture, oversees a high-performing executive team, and allocates capital to strategic priorities. He also supervises the operational performance of all Mohegan-owned and affiliated properties by guiding the development and execution of key business plans, including budgets, marketing, technology, and legal.
As CEO, Ray ensures that each Mohegan property meets or exceeds operational, guest service, cultural, and financial goals, while upholding regulatory standards and the principles of Spirit of Aquai.
You’ve been with Mohegan for over two decades, holding various leadership roles before becoming CEO. How has your experience at Mohegan shaped your vision for the company?
Throughout my tenure, I have had the opportunity to hold various positions and work across different areas of the business. My initial role was legal and later expanded to casino operations, which involved legal, human resources and supply chain management. I was also President and General Manager of our flagship property Mohegan Sun, among other positions. These experiences instilled in me the importance of balancing tradition with the future, honoring the Mohegan Tribe’s values while driving sustainable growth.
I’ve witnessed the company’s remarkable growth from our initial footprint in Connecticut to a globally recognized entertainment, gaming and hospitality brand. My vision is to continue expanding Mohegan’s reach through an omnichannel approach, leveraging our brand differentiators to create immersive offerings while staying true to our core values, which we refer to as the Spirit of Aquai – a centuries-old guiding philosophy rooted in welcoming, mutual respect, cooperation and building relationships.
Mohegan is not just a gaming company – it’s a sovereign tribal enterprise. How does the tribe’s economic and cultural mission influence your business strategy?
Every business decision we make is guided by our responsibility to support tribal sovereignty, economic self-sufficiency, and cultural preservation. The revenue generated from our gaming and hospitality operations directly funds vital programs, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure, ensuring that the Mohegan Tribe continues to thrive for future generations.
Our Spirit of Aquai philosophy shapes everything we do – from our guest experiences, employee engagement, relationships with our business partners, and community support. It ensures that Mohegan’s expansion is rooted in the tribe’s cultural integrity and economic stability.
What strategies does Mohegan use to stay ahead of changing consumer preferences in gaming, hospitality, and entertainment?
We take an omnichannel approach to meet consumer needs and exceed expectations. Our digital and iGaming platforms continue to grow, providing seamless access to Mohegan’s offerings across mobile and online gaming. Beyond gaming, we host world-class concerts and events, further solidifying our properties as premier entertainment destinations. Our sportsbooks, including the expansive Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook in Connecticut, play a key role in this strategy, combining sports betting with dynamic hospitality spaces that make watching and wagering more engaging than ever.
What innovations in gaming and entertainment are you most excited about? Are there any new technologies Mohegan is investing in?
I am particularly excited about the role artificial intelligence and data analytics will play in transforming both gaming and entertainment. Through a partnership with Gaming Analytics, AI helps provide more personalization, allowing us to tailor gaming, promotions, and hospitality offerings based on guest preferences. This ensures each visit feels curated and unique. Additionally, our partnership with LiveRamp lets us harness advanced data connectivity, improving engagement while giving advertisers a smarter, privacy-focused way to connect with our audiences across Mohegan’s properties. We are also exploring how augmented reality can elevate the sportsbook experience with interactive data overlays and immersive game-day environments. Lastly, blockchain technology is something we are closely monitoring for its potential to enhance transparency and security in gaming transactions.
Mohegan has been active in the sports betting and iGaming sectors. How does Mohegan differentiate its iGaming offerings from competitors, especially as more states legalize online gaming?
We differentiate ourselves in a few ways. First, we work with best-in-class partners like FanDuel, Kambi, and Pala Interactive to bring unique capabilities to consumers. We also offer a seamless experience that integrates digital gaming with our physical properties. Our Momentum loyalty program is another major differentiator, allowing players to earn and redeem rewards across both online and in-person gaming.
What are your thoughts on the future of these markets, particularly for tribal gaming operators?
It’s a great opportunity for tribal gaming operators. We understand that today’s consumers have numerous options for their entertainment dollars, so our approach in every market is focused on providing exceptional, immersive experiences that they can’t get anywhere else.
What role does data and personalization play in enhancing the guest experience across Mohegan’s properties?
Data-driven personalization is a game-changer for how we engage with guests at Mohegan. Through AI and predictive analytics, we can offer tailored recommendations, exclusive promotions, and customized gaming offers that cater to individual preferences. This extends beyond the casino floor; our Momentum loyalty program integrates gaming, hospitality, dining, and entertainment, allowing guests to have a seamless experience across multiple touchpoints. Personalization also plays a key role in responsible gaming, as AI-driven monitoring tools help us identify potential problem gaming behaviors and provide real-time interventions.
Mohegan has expanded its global footprint significantly. What has been the biggest takeaway from expanding into global markets?
A key takeaway is remaining true to our core values. While every market will have different consumer behaviors and interests, operational requirements and regulatory landscapes, our values remain our North Star and something that sets us apart and fuels our success.
If you could offer one piece of advice to tribal gaming operators looking to expand or diversify, what would it be?
My advice is to look at the offerings holistically so that your brand ethos and differentiators are infused in everything you do, whether it’s gaming, entertainment, dining, or accommodations. It’s not just what you offer, but how you bring that experience to people that ultimately matters.
What initiatives does Mohegan have in place to support tribal communities and economic diversification beyond gaming?
Our approach is centered on creating sustainable opportunities that preserve our cultural heritage and financial independence for future generations. Mohegan is deeply committed to supporting tribal communities through economic diversification, workforce development, and sustainability initiatives. A significant portion of our gaming revenues is reinvested into programs that benefit the Mohegan Tribe, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Beyond gaming, we are actively investing in real estate development, renewable energy projects, and hospitality ventures that provide long-term stability for the tribe. We focus on workforce development, offering career training programs and leadership opportunities so tribal members have access to diverse professional paths beyond the casino industry. Additionally, Mohegan partners with local and national organizations to support philanthropic efforts, community outreach programs, and educational initiatives aimed at empowering tribal members and the broader community.