Property of the Year 2026
We present to you the 2026 Shortlist for the Property of the Year award.
Hard Rock Casino Tejon - Hard Rock Casino Tejon has enjoyed a remarkable first year, opening ahead of schedule and on budget following the largest private hospitality investment in Kern County history. The property exceeded budgeted revenue by 70% and earnings by 110%, while achieving a 4.6-star Google rating, the highest of any casino property in California. Nearly 90% of team members were hired locally, with 15% already promoted through internal development programs. Beyond its operational success, the property contributed $10m toward a new sheriff and fire substation, supported more than 30 nonprofit organizations, and earned Kern County's Favorite Place to Work and Favorite Place to Eat awards within its first five months of operation.
Graton Resort & Casino - Owned and operated by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, Graton Resort & Casino unveiled its new $1bn expansion to guests in May, featuring a 144,000 sq ft non-smoking casino floor which includes nearly 2,000 slot machines, a poker room and high-limit slots lounge. The property also hosted the world premiere of the first-ever slot games based on the Bomberman video game franchise with Konami Gaming. As part of its $1bn expansion, Graton Resort & Casino expects to bring on approximately 300 more staff members, furthering its position as one of Sonoma County’s largest private employers. Beyond gaming and hospitality, Graton is also investing heavily in entertainment, as plans are in motion to build a new live performance venue with a capacity between 3,000 and 4,000.
MGM National Harbor - MGM National Harbor debuted a new High Limit area in 2026, offering a premium and immersive gaming experience. The high-limit area features 4,000 sq ft of gaming space – bringing the total to more than 14,000 sq ft – as well as 110 slot machines and 19 table games with live-dealer options. MGM National Harbor also debuted the first Ultimate Fire Link Zone in its global portfolio, a 2,400 sq ft dedicated gaming venue housing 48 Ultimate Fire Link slot machines, during the second half of 2025. MGM National Harbor generated the most revenue of any commercial property in Maryland during H1 2026, including a yearly high of $73.9m in April.
Foxwoods Resort Casino – In July, Foxwoods Resort Casino became the first property outside of Las Vegas to debut Interblock’s interactive gaming portfolio as part of a new next-generation Innovation Zone. Titles featured within the new gaming zone include Destroyer: Naval Strike, Showtime Frenzy, Cosmic Crash and Battle for Earth, while the Connecticut Tribal property confirmed additional “games of this caliber” will be released “throughout the coming months.” Foxwoods Resort Casino is undergoing one of its most significant reinvestment years in 2026, with major changes aimed at diversifying its offerings beyond gaming and boosting event-based revenue. Key projects include a high stakes bingo hall, new expo center, a renovation of the property’s main entrance and additional leisure attractions.
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel – 2026 marks a defining milestone as Yaamava' Resort & Casino celebrates its 40th anniversary and continues to set the benchmark for gaming and integrated resort experiences in North America. The property remains the only AAA Five Diamond casino resort in the US and is home to the Forbes Five-Star Serrano Spa, the largest casino floor in the West with more than 7,500 slot machines and 150 table games, and one of the country's premier live entertainment venues. This year also saw the launch of an elevated beverage program developed with Master Sommelier João Pires and renowned mixologist Giancarlo Mancino, further enhancing the property's luxury dining experience. By continually investing in gaming, hospitality, entertainment, and culinary excellence, Yaamava' continues to raise the bar for destination resorts.
Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo - Over the past 12 months, Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo celebrated its 150th anniversary while reinforcing its status as one of Latin America's premier gaming and entertainment destinations. Home to one of the region's largest casino floors, with more than 4,000 slot machines, the venue continued to invest in its gaming offering through new titles and installations from leading suppliers including IGT, Ainsworth, and Aristocrat. Its selection to host the 2027 Gran Premio Latinoamericano further underscored its operational excellence and standing as one of South America's leading racing and gaming venues.
Atlantis Paradise Island - Over the winter, Atlantis Paradise Island introduced exclusive beachfront dinners, highly anticipated restaurant openings and a refreshed selection of luxury retail boutiques to help further cement its position as a premier global destination. The property recently completed a $150m resort-wide transformation, including updates to the casino, guestrooms, restaurants and lounges. Atlantis Paradise Island will launch a full transformation of The Cove as the resort continues to accelerate its multi-year push to redefine luxury hospitality in the Caribbean. The resort features a 60,000 sq ft casino, including 85 table games and over 700 slot machines, helping to cement its status as a previous Property of the Year winner in 2024.
Choctaw Casino & Resort - Durant - As part of an ongoing refresh, the property’s Grand Casino will transition to a non-smoking environment, completed in six phases which include new carpet, walkways and lighting to give the casino a modern look. Choctaw Casino & Resort - Durant also upgraded its housekeeping operations with power-assist carts designed to improve efficiency, support team member safety and easily navigate long hallways. Following a 15-month renovation, its Grand Tower was transformed into a modern and luxurious retreat, featuring 18 suites and 329 rooms with spacious showers, contemporary furnishings, and original artwork by Choctaw artists. The property also features more than 7,400 slot machines across its gaming floor, including over 3,200 slots and table games in its nonsmoking area, Sky Casino.
Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel - Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel celebrated a $400m expansion in late 2025, with a new 10-story, 210-room hotel serving as the expansion’s cornerstone. Also featuring an expanded gaming floor, new 2,000-seat entertainment and convention center, 22,000 square feet of ballroom space and 10,000 square feet of meeting and breakout rooms, the expansion helps redefine Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel as one of the leading operators in Washington State. Last year, Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel also unveiled its newly expanded smoke-free gaming space, featuring nearly 400 slot machines in an environment “designed exclusively for non-smoking guests.” In addition to the recent expansion, each of Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel’s restaurants are smoke-free as well, helping to create an “elevated” experience for guests.
Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia – Celebrating its fifth anniversary, Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia has established itself as a leader in gaming, dining, entertainment, and community engagement. The property received its fourth consecutive Philadelphia Business Journal Partners in Philanthropy honor, recognizing its long-standing commitment to nonprofit partnerships. Over the past year, the property invested more than $1.18m in the guest experience, including an exclusive partnership with celebrity chef Jet Tila at its Pan-Asian restaurant Luk Fu, and the reimagining of its 10th Street Market food hall, featuring new concepts from renowned local chefs ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Since opening, Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia has welcomed more than 13 million guests, generated over $390m in gaming and wage taxes for Pennsylvania, and contributed nearly $15m to community donations and grants.