Conrad Granito Jr., a 25-year Native American gaming veteran, recently was hired as general manager at the Muckleshoot Casino, located on the Muckleshoot Tribe’s reservation near Seattle, Washington. Granito replaced interim General Manager Peter Valentine.
Granito began his gaming career in 1990, in bingo followed by gaming operations with the Sycuan Band of Mission Indians. In 1993, he became general manager at the Pueblo of Isleta in New Mexico, where he managed the transition from bingo to a full casino in four years. Following 18 months as president and chief operating officer at electronic bingo equipment manufacturer GameTech, Granito spent 15 years in gaming, working for the Southern Ute Tribe in Southwest Colorado, Pueblo of Santa Ana in New Mexico and Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana.
Granito said, “While I have worked as a gaming consultant to more than 55 tribes, Muckleshoot is only the sixth tribe I have actually worked for directly. I have had opportunities to work in different non-Indian jurisdictions but have chosen to always work in Indian Country. The first paragraph of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act clearly states that gaming is for economic development and economic independence of tribes. That is what motivates me and is why I am excited and honored to bring my experience and commitment to the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and their gaming operation.”
Muckleshoot Tribal Council Chair Virginia Cross said of Granito, “His extensive experience and expertise operating tribal gaming operations and work as a gaming consultant makes him exceptionally qualified to build on the tribe’s work of the last 20-plus years and keep the Muckleshoot Casino the biggest and best in the Northwest.”
Opened in April 1995, the 340,000 square foot Muckleshoot Casino offers gaming, entertainment and dining.
