“All of the revenue that’s going to come from it (“MNGE” app) goes to the Tribe. All of our net profits go directly to the Tribe for social programs and social services. There will be a direct economic benefit to the Tribe from it.” – Pat Crofts
TULSA – Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises launched a new mobile application called “MNGE” on Thursday, Jan. 15. The app platform features 20 Mobile Class II electronic bingo and bingo-style games. These include penny, five-dollar, and ten-dollar games. It does not include Class III games, such as table games and sports betting, which require a separate compact. The app was developed by Everi, an International Game Technology developer that specializes in mobile casino gaming.
Due to the app’s function as a gaming platform, rigorous identification methods are used for initial sign-up and login. Players must be 21 years old to use the app. To sign up, players must scan in a government-issued form of identification like a driver’s license. Players then set up a mobile digital wallet in order to deposit funds. After a denomination is made in their game of choice, players can start playing on the go.
The app uses geofencing technology to track where players are. Geofencing is a feature that uses global positioning systems to develop virtual boundaries around specific real-world areas. The app’s features will only function within the boundaries of the Mvskoke Reservation. If a player using the app steps outside the Reservation’s virtual boundary, the app’s gaming features will be disabled. Gaming features will also be disabled if a player turns off location tracking on their mobile device. Other apps like “Pokémon Go” also use geofencing technology to track players’ locations.
Jackpots can be won through the app. However, players who win their first jackpot must claim it in person at one of the ten Muscogee (Creek) Nation Casino locations. After initial verification, jackpot winnings are automatically processed. Larger jackpots may require an additional in-person verification.
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill remarked that the app will enhance the player experience while asserting sovereignty on the Reservation.
“This launch represents a major step forward for the Muscogee Nation,” Chief Hill said. “We are investing in technology that strengthens sovereignty and expands opportunity for our citizens. Leading the nation with the first reservation-wide Class II mobile gaming platform reflects our commitment to innovation and responsible governance.”
MNGE Chief Executive Officer Pat Crofts said the app has been tested among customers and has received positive feedback. So far, the app has had at least 1,300 users sign up, and currently has 800 active users. According to Crofts, as mobile gaming technology has evolved, so too has the appetite for gaming on the go.
“People now are looking for more mobile entertainment. They have their phone in their hand all the time. If it’s not in their hand, it’s in their pocket,” Crofts said. “It’s just the convenience of it, they can play it at home, they can play it at a restaurant or wherever.”
MNGE Chief Operating Officer Andy Langston (Mvskoke) said that although this is not the first gaming app launched by an Indian casino, it is the first to be accessible anywhere on a Tribal reservation. Players are not restricted to using it on premises within the physical parameters of a casino building.
“We’re the first to take its entirety to the Reservation,” Langston said. “People come into a casino wanting a social aspect. When you launch it (an app) within your four walls there’s not a high acceptance rate. We’ve already seen that happen at other casinos. Taking it to the entire Reservation, to the eleven counties, approximately 1.5 million people, it makes a lot of sense financially for the Nation and it allows us to express our sovereignty.”
Both Crofts and Langston agree that the app has the potential to increase significant revenue for the casinos. This means more revenues to support Tribal social programming.
“Our Nation has always been pioneering and has been a front runner leader. We’re carrying forward that tradition. The Nation has supported us every step of the way with this app. The benefits have kept the Nation and MNGE on the forefront of innovation.” Langston said.
The app “MNGE” is now available on the Apple Store for iPhone users and on the Google Play Store for Android users.
