Hard Rock Entertainment, which is owned by Florida’s Seminole Indian Tribe, announced on Monday that it was buying The Mirage from MGM Resorts International for $650 million. Connecticut's Mohegan Indian Tribe operates the casino inside Virgin Hotels Las Vegas under a lease agreement. San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality operates the Yaamava’ Resort & Casino on tribal land 60 miles east of Los Angeles and will be the first American Indian-owned enterprise to own and operate a casino resort in Las Vegas. With gaming licensing in place, San Manuel executives expect the transaction to close Friday.

The Gaming Commission unanimously granted approval for the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority, the business arm of the tribe, to acquire the Palms from Red Rock Resort for $650 million, following a nearly one-hour hearing and two weeks after the Gaming Control Board recommended approval.

Incoming Palms General Manager Cynthia Kiser Murphey told the Nevada Gaming Commission Thursday some minor upgrades are needed “to fire up a building that hasn't been occupied for a few years.” Representatives of Southern California’s San Manuel Indian Band of Mission Indians said little capital improvement is required before reopening the Palms Casino Resort by March after the previous owner spent roughly $1 billion to expand and renovate the off-Strip property.

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