"Agua Caliente Casinos is focused on building on its 30-year legacy by embracing future growth opportunities"

As tribal gaming continues to grow across the U.S., operators like Agua Caliente Casinos are finding ways to combine cultural roots with modern experiences. Based in Southern California, Agua Caliente is known for its upscale casino resorts and strong connection to the values of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. In 2025, the tribe is celebrating 30 years of gaming in Palm Springs with a landmark expansion at its flagship Rancho Mirage property.

In an interview with Yogonet, Saverio Scheri, Chief Operating Officer of Agua Caliente Casinos, talks about what the expansion means for the brand, how the company is preparing for the future, and the lessons learned over three decades of growth, both as a business and as a community partner in the Coachella Valley.

How does the expansion at Rancho Mirage strengthen Agua Caliente's position in the market, and what makes the property stand out in the Agua Caliente portfolio?

Our expansion furthers our efforts to put forth the "ultimate customer experience" for our guests by contributing to exquisite gaming floor – wide aisles and the newest games elevate the gaming experience and provide a comfortable, fun, and exciting environment for our guests.

Rancho Mirage is without doubt our flagship property, boasting an integrated resort that is one of the only three Forbes triple winners (hotel, steakhouse, and spa). The expansion at Rancho Mirage allows us to comfortably accommodate more guests during our busier times.

How has Rancho Mirage's gaming offering improved with this expansion?
 
The expansion has notably enhanced Agua Caliente's gaming offerings by increasing access to the latest and most exclusive slot machines. This allows Agua Caliente to maintain its leadership in offering unique gaming experiences, such as being the only California casino with Aristocrat's HYPER LINK games and the first in the Coachella Valley to feature titles like Fire Link Triple Nova and several others.

As a result, guests now have a greater variety of the newest titles, shorter wait times, and a more dynamic gaming environment that emphasizes exclusivity and cutting-edge entertainment.

Agua Caliente's Rancho Mirage expansion ceremony

Can you tell us what this milestone represents for Agua Caliente, and if there are other new expansion projects on the horizon?
 
This expansion represents a significant achievement for Agua Caliente, highlighting its strategic commitment to long-term growth, careful planning, and delivering unique experiences that set it apart from other casinos. It also signifies a broader vision rooted in strategic development inspired by the Tribe's thoughtful approach—one that prioritizes sustained success and immersive guest experiences.

With that comes commitment to a larger strategic roadmap that includes other exciting projects. For instance, we've planned a complete refurbishment of all hotel rooms at Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage, aimed at taking the guest stay and comfort to the next level.

Additionally, we are launching an innovative culinary collaboration like "Raising The Steaks," with the renowned Chef David Burke, further enriching the overall guest experience across the portfolio. These initiatives underscore Agua Caliente's ongoing dedication to innovation and excellence across all our of our casino properties.
 
This expansion comes as Agua Caliente celebrates its 30th anniversary. What makes this milestone so significant, and how are you celebrating it? 
 
Agua Caliente's 30 years in gaming mark a significant milestone, reflecting three decades of success, innovation, and strategic growth. This anniversary celebrates the Tribe's vision and dedication, which have distinguished Agua Caliente from other casinos nationwide. To honor this remarkable legacy, the celebration went beyond traditional festivities, combining promotional activities and gift giveaways with a grand event that captivated our Tribal Members and guests.

A standout feature of the celebration was an outdoor concert at the original Agua Caliente Palm Springs location, where the journey began, featuring legendary artists Pat Benatar and Neil Geraldo. Complementing the concert was a stunning drone show which showcased the evolution of the Agua Caliente brand—from the original Palm Springs property to Rancho Mirage, The Show, and Agua Caliente Cathedral City—highlighting the expansion and progress of the portfolio over the years.

This anniversary not only celebrated the past but also reaffirmed the Tribe's ongoing commitment to growth and excellence in the gaming industry.

Agua Caliente Casinos' Rancho Mirage 

How has Agua Caliente Casinos grown since opening in 1995?
 
It's clear that Agua Caliente has expanded its footprint, offerings, and reputation significantly over the past 30 years, as evidenced by its multiple properties, diverse entertainment options, and technological and gaming innovations.

The emphasis on careful planning and strategic expansion has played a key role in their sustained success and ongoing evolution. Starting with one small casino to our current extensive portfolio demonstrates the vision and commitment of the Tribe to build for the future.
 
What were the early years of Agua Caliente like?

The early years were a learning experience for all Tribal casinos in California. We had an opportunity to learn what customers wanted and didn't want. We grew from a sprung structure to three casinos, including a full-scale resort, a fuel station, and a spa that has been named the number 1 spa in America two years in a row. 

We have come a long way since that first casino, but everything happened at a cadence the Tribe set forth, which helped ensure our success.
 
How has Agua Caliente Casinos contributed to the local economy and community over the past 30 years? 
 
Over the past three decades, Agua Caliente Casinos has emerged as a vibrant pillar of the Coachella Valley, contributing not only to the local economy but also to the community.

Through the creation of numerous job opportunities and substantial support for local organizations, Agua Caliente has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to giving back. Their outreach goes beyond mere philanthropy and forging strategic partnerships with local businesses; it is all aimed at elevating the region's allure and fostering a thriving and interconnected community.
 
Where do you see Agua Caliente in the next decade, and how do you plan to build on this 30-year legacy?
 
Agua Caliente Casinos is focused on building on its 30-year legacy by embracing future growth opportunities, including more table games, slot machines, promotions, and entertainment help attract guests across generations while building relationships with the younger audience. Engaging younger audiences goes beyond simply showcasing technological innovation.

Establishing genuine relationships with these customers is crucial, as they mature into loyal patrons over time—a natural progression in the customer lifecycle. Take poker, for instance: its rise among college students who initially played online and eventually transitioned to in-person games exemplifies this trajectory. Over the years, many players shift from poker to live table games and, ultimately, to slot machines, highlighting the importance of nurturing long-term connections through each stage of their gaming journey.

Looking ahead, we plan to expand our gaming offerings and incorporate more digital and mobile options as regulations allow. While California currently has limited online gaming options, we are actively exploring various solutions to engage with our customers via their mobile devices.

Finally, we are always considering large-scale growth opportunities that match the vision of the Tribe and the culture of Agua Caliente Casinos.