Ask the Experts: Indian Gaming – A Look Forward
Kelly DeVine Offers Insights for Indian Gaming Magazine's 2026 'Ask the Experts: Indian Gaming – A Look Forward'
Kelly DeVine, Principal & Director of Strategic Partnerships, HBG Design
From Indian Gaming Magazine January/February 2026 Issue
As tribes consider their long-term economic visions and land development options, there has been a shift in how casino resort destinations are being planned. While the destination resort has long been the goal, what’s emerging is a more holistic, integrated town-center style approach, reimagined as a larger, tribally owned economic ecosystem anchored by the casino resort.
Signature resort “wow” amenities like gaming, hotels, pools, spas, and event centers remain critical. What’s changing is how those resort amenities are positioned within a broader planned vision – organized from the casino and hotel, layered with complementary amenities and community infrastructure. This more intentional approach supports longer stays, creates customer loyalty, and greater community economic opportunity.
Resort guests need basics as much as indulgences, and when those needs are met on tribal land – through convenience stores and fuel centers, health and wellness offerings including CBD retail, and destination-oriented shopping – it creates a more livable experience and greater benefit for all.
Looking ahead, we expect this integrated planning approach will continue gaining momentum, with casino resorts anchoring more self-sufficient town centers. By keeping both guest and tribal member spending on tribal land, this strategy strengthens local economies and expands long-term opportunities for tribal communities.
HBG Designers Share Post COVID Design Solutions
https://www.indiangaming.com/magazine/#flipbook-df_6153/33/
See full article in Indian Gaming Magazine
As life starts to return to a new version of normal, our designers are focused on integrating more flexible design sensibilities into public spaces and amenities. As we’ve learned, spaces throughout the casino, hotel and amenities must be able to easily transform and handle fluid situations.
The idea of physical space and user experience are more connected than ever before and that’s especially key in rethinking design as we move forward. We are shaping spaces that are more malleable and can adjust to a host of layout options suitable for induvial privacy, groups, social interaction, and even remote workspace within the leisure setting. Property design must be equipped to flex and adapt to overnight changes in conditions.
We’re working now with several tribes who are renovating underutilized, non-revenue generating areas into spaces that can easily transform into a variety of flexible, revenue-generating uses. Functions can change and adapt to the visitor mix, giving operators the ability to “blur” the purpose of the space, based on the needs of their guests.
Now that individuals have greater flexibility in their ability to work remotely, we’re seeing a significant shift toward longer overnight stays at the casino resorts/hotels. Weekends will extend longer into mid-week, so operators will want to get ahead of meeting the needs of the “blended traveler.” Our clients at Cache Creek Casino Resort outside Sacramento, CA were way ahead of the curve on this trend. In our design, all guestrooms feature round, desk-height tables and chairs that transform from in-room dining to remote workspace instantly. Studios indicate leisure guests are creating the greatest demand for flexible spaces that easily align with their evolving needs.
Connection to nature and wellness, or biophilic design, has garnered more attention as we emerge from the pandemic. We’re hard-wired to react physically and emotionally to nature, and that creates a feeling of health and wellbeing. Biophilic design is central to Cache Creek Casino Resort. The hotel tower and function spaces are sited to amplify the limitless panoramic views over the valley, opening to the outdoors. Inside, a neutral color palette blends with patterns and textures that draw from the region’s landscape and connects guests to the abundant valley that surrounds the resort.
