Strategic Gaming Management Completes Major Acquisition of Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino

Strategic Gaming Management Buys Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino

Strategic Gaming Management, LLC (SGM) has made headlines with its recent acquisition of Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino, a major gaming venue in New Mexico, for $301 million. This marks the company's third acquisition in two years, underscoring a concerted effort to expand its footprint in the gaming industry.

The acquisition was completed on October 15, 2025, and as part of a strategic maneuver, SGM has already sold the real estate associated with the racetrack and casino to Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. (NASDAQ: GLPI) in a sale-leaseback transaction. This not only streamlines operations but also enhances SGM's liquidity to further pursue growth opportunities.

J. Grant Lincoln, SGM's Founder and CEO, expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "With the acquisition of Sunland, we are well on our way to our goal of being a scale operator of regional assets with rich histories, competitive moats, and very strong and loyal customer bases". He added that with this investment, SGM aims to keep enhancing its assets while exploring additional growth opportunities that align with its strategic vision. Lincoln emphasized the importance of the existing Sunland Park team, stating that their expertise will be invaluable as the company moves forward.

Sunland Park is no small player in the New Mexico gaming landscape, featuring an impressive 738 slot machines and 12 electronic gaming tables spread across 25,000 square feet of gaming area. Among its offerings is a 1-mile Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse track, complete with a 733-seat stadium, which hosts notable events such as the prestigious Sunland Park Derby. The property is situated on a sprawling 157 acres, making it a prime gaming destination in the region.

In conjunction with the acquisition, SGM has made significant personnel changes to strengthen its leadership team. Matthew Flandermeyer has been appointed as the CFO, bringing extensive experience from his previous role as Chief Financial Officer of Golden Entertainment. Lincoln expressed confidence in Flandermeyer's leadership, noting that his prior experiences navigating periods of substantial growth will be crucial for SGM's future.

Flandermeyer expressed his excitement over joining SGM, stating, "To me, Strategic represents an incredible opportunity for growth which I clearly recognize from prior experience". He looks forward to collaborating with Lincoln and the rest of the team to build on the company’s current assets while contributing to future growth.

Additionally, Fred Heinrich has been promoted to the role of President of Sunland Park, a move that ensures leadership continuity at the property level. Heinrich, previously the General Counsel and Compliance Officer, will now manage operations and oversee strategic initiatives. Lincoln believes Heinrich’s deep understanding of the Sunland Park property and its community will drive significant successes moving forward.

"I am really excited to work with Grant and the wonderful team at Sunland, as well as the surrounding communities in this new role," Heinrich commented. "Together, we can achieve remarkable feats in this new chapter for this storied property".

With this acquisition, SGM is poised to leverage Sunland Park's established customer base and rich gaming heritage, solidifying its strategy of not only acquiring properties with historical importance but also fostering community engagement. SGM’s strategic vision, driven by their new acquisitions and leadership maneuvers, is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of gaming in the U.S. This move reflects the evolving dynamics of the gaming industry, where companies must adapt to remain competitive while providing entertainment and value to their patrons.