Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority CEO’s surprise resignation

The CEO of the company behind Connecticut’s Mohegan Sun casino has abruptly resigned without indicating where he was going next.

On Tuesday, Connecticut media outlet The Day reported that Bobby Soper (pictured), who has headed up the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority (MTGA) since 2015, had unexpectedly resigned his MTGA post, despite his current contract not set to expire until March 31, 2018.

Soper has been involved with the tribe’s gaming operations in various roles since 2001. The Day quoted Soper praising his MTGA experience as “a great run,” but he said he was now “happy to take on a new challenge.” Soper declined to specify what that new challenge entailed, due to “certain confidentiality obligations.” Soper also declined to specify whether this new opportunity was in the gaming industry.

Chuck Bunnell, chief of staff for the Mohegan Tribe, indicated that former MTGA CEO Mitchell Etess would act as interim CEO until a permanent successor could be found. Etess currently serves as a senior adviser to the tribe.