Gaming &
Entertainment
In 1988, Tom founded Sodak Gaming, Inc. and expanded it from a small company that distributed gaming devices to Native American casinos nationally, into a company with $250 million dollars in annual sales. Sodak Gaming, Inc. went on to be a publicly traded company on the Nasdaq. He then developed, financed and managed the Little River Casino Resort for the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians in 1995. In 1996, Tom funded and ran the state-wide voter referendum which led to casino gaming in Detroit wherein he was then selected as one of the three companies to receive a casino license. Subsequently, Tom partnered with Mandalay Resort Group to build Motor City Casino which opened to the public in December of 1999, and then later formed Luna Entertainment. Tom has been licensed in over 30 jurisdictions in this country for gaming, including Nevada. He also owned the Cal Neva casino on Lake Tahoe that was previously owned by Frank Sinatra.
As shown in our gaming development portfolio, Luna’s experience includes Greenfield Indian gaming projects across the country as well as commercial casinos in jurisdictions such as Nevada, Michigan and Colorado. Luna, through various affiliates, has held gaming licenses in many major jurisdictions
Gaming &
Entertainment
Tom Celani has been a pioneer in the gaming industry for over 30 years with experience as a developer, innovator, supplier, operator, financier, and, of course, an owner. While Luna takes care and caution in all of its businesses, gaming is Luna’s fundamental core competency. Beginning with Tom Celani’s early experience with Sodak Gaming that helped shepherd in the birth of Native American casinos to spearheading the Michigan statewide voter referendum to legalize three casinos in Detroit, Luna is always at the cutting edge of gaming activity.
In 1988, Tom founded Sodak Gaming, Inc. and expanded it from a small company that distributed gaming devices to Native American casinos nationally, into a company with $250 million dollars in annual sales. Sodak Gaming, Inc. went on to be a publicly traded company on the Nasdaq. He then developed, financed and managed the Little River Casino Resort for the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians in 1995. In 1996, Tom funded and ran the state-wide voter referendum which led to casino gaming in Detroit wherein he was then selected as one of the three companies to receive a casino license. Subsequently, Tom partnered with Mandalay Resort Group to build Motor City Casino which opened to the public in December of 1999, and then later formed Luna Entertainment. Tom has been licensed in over 30 jurisdictions in this country for gaming, including Nevada. He also owned the Cal Neva casino on Lake Tahoe that was previously owned by Frank Sinatra.
As shown in our gaming development portfolio, Luna’s experience includes Greenfield Indian gaming projects across the country as well as commercial casinos in jurisdictions such as Nevada, Michigan and Colorado. Luna, through various affiliates, has held gaming licenses in many major jurisdictions
Current Investments
Running Creek Casino – CA
Luna developed and financed the Running Creek Casino for the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake Tribe in 2005. The Running Creek Casino is located in Upper Lake, California, approximately 200 miles north of downtown San Francisco. Running Creek Casino opened in May of 2012 and includes approximately 350 slot machines, six table games and a restaurant. The Running Creek Casino serves the markets north of Napa Valley and the tourist district of Upper Lake. The Running Creek Casino website is www.runningcreekcasino.com.
Freedom Hill Banquet & Event Center
In 2014 after $250,000 in renovations, Freedom Hill opened the Banquet & Event Center and caters events for 250 people.With Freedom Hill Banquet Hall’s partner and renowned Chef, Chef Bobby Nahra, we are able to offer a wide range of cuisine, and we are able to service all types of events such as weddings, corporate events, memorials, fundraisers, etc. For more information onFreedom Hill Banquet and Event Center site, please visit freedomhillbanquet.com.
Previously Held
Investments
CAL NEVA CASINO
Kiowa Casino
Little River Casino
Motor City Casino
MRJ THEATRES
Red Dolly Casino
Reserve Casino Hotel
Rolling Hills Casino Hotel
Sodak Gaming
Michigan Lottery Amphitheater
CONNECT WITH LUNA ENTERTAINMENT
Speak with a Luna Entertainment venture capital specialist at 248.465.1550 or complete the contact form below to have a representative reach out to you directly.
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