SYLMAR, CA—Gaming casinos are uniquely challenging to develop because of advanced environmental, surveillance, and gaming technology systems and an accelerated building schedule, according to Dick Rizzo, VP of Tutor Perini Building Corp. In an earlier story, GlobeSt.com reported that Tutor Perini Building Corp., an affiliate of Tutor Perini Corp., won a contract worth $112 million to expand a gaming casino in the Santa Ynez Valley on behalf of the area's band of Chumash Indians.

“The Chumash Tribe represents a prime example of our repeat business. We began working with their leadership, management and oversight team, as well as their architect and design consultants over 12 years ago, helping build one of the most successful Native American casino-resorts in California,” Rizzo tells GlobeSt.com. “Tutor Perini is most gratified to once again be invited to take part in their newest expansion plans.”

Although the builder has an established relationship working with the Chumash tribe and Native Americans tribes throughout the country, the accelerated timeline is still a challenge, but it isn't the only one. “At Chumash Casino Resort we are working in an existing facility. This adds another layer of complexity,” says Rizzo. “As the general contractor, it's our responsibly to maintain an optimal guest experience and make sure hotel and casino business operations are not disrupted. To achieve this requires a comprehensive and collaborative effort with the property's staff throughout the duration of construction.”

In addition to the challenges that come with building a gaming facility, Native American gaming facilities come with their own challenges, although today, those facilities are very similar to commercial casinos. “Specific to building Native American casinos is the uniqueness of building on tribal trust property, particularly as it relates to contracting, governess, tax, and sovereignty,” Rizzo explains. “It's also important to have an understanding of each tribe's culture, community, history, and relationship with the surrounding environment.”