Mohegan Inspire Receives Gaming License, Casino Slated to Launch This Feb

Summary:

• Mohegan Inspire in South Korea was granted a gaming license on January 23
• The property plans to open its casino in February before the Lunar New Year
• The casino resort also obtained a five-star hotel rating

Mohegan Inspire Entertainment Resort, South Korea’s newest casino resort, has been approved for gaming operations. The property, which launched phase 1 of its non-gaming facilities in November, is expected to open its casino in early February, before the Lunar New Year.

Mohegan Inspire Casino Could Open in February

Mohegan Inspire received a gaming permit on January 23 after fully and successfully complying with all legal requirements for licensing, according to South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. The casino resort should continue to invest in non-gaming facilities, including entertainment, as part of its licensing conditions, the Ministry’s release stated.

An Inspire official, who asked not to be named, said they plan to open the casino before the Lunar New Year on February 10.

Inspire becomes the 17th establishment in South Korea licensed to run a foreigner-only casino. The only gaming venue in the country allowed to cater to domestic customers is the state-owned Kangwon Land Casino in Kangwon Province.

Owned by US-based gaming operator Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, Inspire is located near Incheon International Airport in Yeongjong Island.

The integrated resort features an array of resort and entertainment facilities as well as hospitality services, including three premier hotel towers housing a total of 1,275 rooms, 10 restaurants, and a 15,000-seat multi-purpose arena which is a first in Korea.

The property is also home to “Michael Jordan’s Steak House”, the first steak restaurant outside the US to carry branding associated with NBA superstar Michael Jordan. These facilities are now operational following Inspire’s soft launch on November 30.

Inspire’s casino license was the first new gaming permit granted by the South Korean government since 2005, according to the Ministry’s release. While new casinos have opened in the country over the past decade, their licenses were assumed from other discontinued venues.

Inspire Obtains Five-Star Hotel Rating

Prior to being granted a gaming license, Inspire first obtained a five-star hotel rating from the Korea Tourism Association on January 3, a process required for casino licensing. The luxury-hotel rating is valid until January 2, 2027. An Inspire spokesperson stated that the time required for obtaining the hotel grading was within their expected timeline.