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Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort was opened in 1997. In 2011 the casino underwent a major renovation. At that time the building was expanded to provide space for Legends Diner. There was also a rebranding of the previous Firefly Buffet into the Aurora Buffet. The casino is the largest employer in Isabella County. Additionally, the casino closed its retail sportsbook counter and most table games, except for the High Limit Room, which will have limited occupancy. “Gun Lake Casino is a critical business to the Gun Lake Tribe and to the local communities that we serve,” said Alexis Bolo, the operation’s community and public relations coordinator.

Details

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UPDATE: After this report was published, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians opted to close its five Kewadin Casinos for three weeks. The story has been updated.

Most tribal gaming operations in Michigan will remain open with some modifications even as the state imposes a new round of restrictions on commercial casinos and other sectors in a move aimed at curbing spiking cases of COVID-19.

On Sunday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Department of Health and Human Services announced that all three commercial casino operations in Detroit will close as of Wednesday, along with in-person dining at bars and restaurants, movie theaters, indoor ice rinks and bowling alleys.

As sovereign enterprises, the 24 tribally owned casinos that operate in Michigan do not have to comply with the mandated closures. While all tribal casinos in Michigan voluntarily closed in the spring at the same time the state issued a stay-at-home order, most are planning to stay open this time around, citing enhanced protocols and their track record for safety.

Among the exceptions: Bay Mills Resort & Casinos in Brimley, Mich., which plans to close for three weeks at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 18.

“This pandemic is unpredictable,” Bay Mills Indian Community Chairman Bryan Newland said in a statement. “Fortunately, we budgeted CARES Act funds in anticipation another shutdown might occur. We believe in protecting our community and our employees.”

As of midday Wednesday, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians also opted to voluntarily close its five Kewadin Casinos in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, with an expected reopening date of Dec. 9.

However, most other tribal gaming operations say they believe their precautions make it safe to remain open during the current spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

“We are confident that the recent significant increase in the number of positive COVID-19 cases is not being influenced by FireKeepers’ operations because of the mitigation steps we have taken and which we continue to rigorously enforce,” Kathy George, CEO of Battle Creek, Mich.-based FireKeepers Casino Hotel, said in a statement provided to Tribal Business News.

FireKeepers, which is owned and operated by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, will remain open under its “strict protocols,” and will continue to “vigilantly review these protocols in cooperation with health officials and the Tribe’s Gaming Regulators to determine if additional controls or actions are needed to support the effort to slow down the spread of this virus,” George said.

The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe’s gaming facilities also will remain open, while the tribe plans to redouble “successful” safety measures already in place.

“We do not believe that closing the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Saganing Eagles Landing Casino & Hotel and The Slot Palace & Bingo Hall will reduce the spread of the Coronavirus. Should new information emerge that indicates otherwise, we will revisit this decision,” the tribe said in a statement.

The Pokagon Band of Potawtomi’s Four Winds Casinos in Southwest Michigan will also remain open under various safety guidelines.

“Like other governments we are continually monitoring the spread of COVID-19 and have taken extensive health and safety precautions to help protect our Tribal Citizens, our employees that work in our Tribal Government, as well as our Four Winds Casinos employees, and guests that visit our four casino locations in Michigan and Indiana,” according to a statement from the Pokagon Gaming Authority, which added that it “will continue to be diligent with the current safety and sanitation procedures as the health and safety of our employees and guests remains our top priority.”

The Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians’ Northern Waters Casino Resort in Watersmeet and the Grand Traverse Bay Bands of Ottawa Indians’ two operations — Turtle Creek Casino and Hotel in Williamsburg and Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge in Peshawbestown — did not indicate any plans to close on their respective websites.

The closures of the commercial casinos come amid growing concern from state officials and health systems across the state that the escalating caseload could soon overrun the capacity for hospitals. As of Nov. 15, the statewide positivity rate for COVID-19 reached an average of 12.5 percent, Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said in a press conference, noting the virus was “spreading like wildfire.” Health experts say the test positivity rate should be around 3 percent to manage the spread of the virus, regional business publication MiBizreported. As of Tuesday, the state reported a total of 272,034 positive cases of COVID-19 and 8,128 deaths.

As cases continued to rise, some tribes opted to take certain actions to help to limit possible exposure.

For example, the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi (Gun Lake Tribe) has reduced hours of operation at Gun Lake Casino in Wayland, Mich., located about 25 miles south of Grand Rapids, the state’s second-largest city where cases have been surging beyond levels experienced in the initial spring wave of the virus.

Instead of being open 24 hours a day, Gun Lake Casino will now close between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. As part of its “Play It Safe” initiative that takes effect on Nov. 20 and runs until Dec. 9, Gun Lake Casino also placed plexiglass barriers between slot machines or spaced them out to maintain distance between patrons and closed all bars and restaurants. Additionally, the casino closed its retail sportsbook counter and most table games, except for the High Limit Room, which will have limited occupancy.

“Gun Lake Casino is a critical business to the Gun Lake Tribe and to the local communities that we serve,” said Alexis Bolo, the operation’s community and public relations coordinator. “We are proud to provide financial stability and healthcare benefits for over 900 Team Members, which will continue during this time.”

At the Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, near the Lake Michigan shoreline, the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians reduced hours of operation to 8 a.m.-10 p.m., effective Nov. 17 until “at least” Dec. 8. Little River also closed all table games, turned off every other slot machine where distancing was not possible and closed its retail sportsbook, although on-site sports betting will be available.

Little River Casino, along with Gun Lake Casino, also widely banned smoking in most indoor areas.

Larry Romanelli, ogema of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, said tribal officials carefully considered its options this week, all while the effects of the spring closure continue to weigh heavily on the tribe.

“As you know, business is tough and LRBOI wants to assist the Governor and also help keep citizens safe but we are also up against decreased revenues from closing before,” Romanelli said in an email to Tribal Business News.

According to previous estimates from MiBiz, Michigan tribes are believed to have lost more than $200 million during six to eight weeks of closures beginning in March 2020. Gaming revenue generally accounts for a significant portion of tribes’ operating budgets, which fund various services, ranging from health care and education to public safety and housing.

Elsewhere in Michigan, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community closed table games at its Ojibwa Casinos in Marquette and Baraga and the Hannahville Indian Community canceled all bands and entertainment through Dec. 10 and switched restaurants to take-out at its Island Resort & Casino in the Upper Peninsula town of Harris. Likewise, the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians canceled entertainment and closed its sports bar at Petoskey-based Odawa Casino.

A common theme in all the tribal casinos’ plans is a commitment to following best practices and guidance aimed at keeping people safe. To some tribal leaders, the only safe option is shutting down.

In a statement to Tribal Business News, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Chairperson Aaron Payment said he supports “shutting down all non essential operations in collaboration with the Governor’s order to stave off the spread of this deadly virus during an exponential outbreak.”

“If we save just one life, especially an Elder, it will be worth it,” Payment said.

--
Tribal Business News Publisher Levi Rickert contributed to this report.
--
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated with comment from the Pokagon Gaming Authority and to note that after this report was published, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa opted to close it five Kewadin Casinos.

Nation Tribe: Match-e-be-nash-she-wish Band of Pottawatomi

1123 129th Avenue
Wayland, MI 49348

(269) 792-7777

Gun Lake Casino is located between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo off Exit 61 on U.S. 131.

2021 exterior rendering by JCJ Architecture. Courtesy of the Gun Lake Casino.

Gun Lake Casino has greatly expanded since its opening in Feb. 2011. At that time it had a 83,000-square-foot gaming floor and 1,400 slot machines.

In 2017 the casino floor was expanded to 156,000 square feet and 2,050 slot machines.

2021 Expansion

In Late 2019 Gun Lake announced a $100 million expansion project to double the size of the casino. Completion is scheduled for summer of 2021. Details

News Headlines

Michigan Indian casinos stay open as commercial casinos shut downNovember 19, 2020 - Michigan has issued a new COVID-19 mandate to temporarily close casinos. The three commercial casinos in Detroit will shut down for at least three weeks beginning... Read moreGun Lake Casino opens Stage 131 Sportsbook & LoungeOctober 10, 2020 - On Oct. 3 the Gun Lake Casino opened its new sports betting venue named Stage 131 Sportsbook & Lounge. Bets can be placed on professional and college sports with single bets, over/under bets and... Read moreMichigan's Active and Coming-Soon SportsbooksSeptember 16, 2020 - Seven Michigan casinos have opened onsite sportsbooks in time for the kickoff of the 2020 NFL season. Eight more casinos are in final preparation before opening their doors to sports betting.... Read more Gun Lake Casino reopens June 8May 29, 2020 - Gun Lake Casino will resume operations at 8AM Monday June 8. New health and safety protocols will require all guests ro pass a temperature check at entry and wear a face mask while inside. ... Read moreGun Lake Casino plans $100M expansionOctober 23, 2019 - Gun Lake Casino will soon break ground to enlarge its casino by 72,000 square feet, double the size of Stage 131, and add two upscale restaurants. The grand opening will be in the summer of 2021.... Read more Headlines continued...

2019-2021 Expansion Project

Gun Lake Casino announced a $100 expansion project in Oct. 2019 with a completion date of summer 2021.

The major features of the project include a larger gaming floor, an expanded entertainment venue and more dining options.

• The gaming floor will be expanded by 72,000 square feet, 450 additional slot machines and 12 more table games. The additional space will include the high limits area and the smoking area as well as the main gaming floor.

• Entertainment will be enhanced at Stage 131 by doubling its space with more seating, an outdoor patio and a new dining service.

• Two new restaurants will be built. This will be upscale venues with details to be announced at a future date.

2016-2017 Expansion Project

A new $76-million expansion project is underway to increase the casino's square footage from 83,000 to 156,000 square feet. Construction began in January 2016 and will finish in summer of 2017.

The following is included in the plan:

• 450 new electronic gaming machines will bring the total to 2,050
• Table games will increase to 42
• A new Stage 131 will be doubled in size.
• A new buffet restaurant with 300 seats will feature upscale American, Italian, Mexican and Asian cuisines

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Gaming

Opened February 11, 2011
Operation hours: 24 hours daily
$165 million facility
83,000 square foot facility
1,400 slot machines
28 table games

Restaurants and Bars

Fuel and Convenience Store

(Under construction)

News Articles

Gun Lake Casino opens Stage 131 Sportsbook & Lounge

October 10, 2020

On Oct. 3 the Gun Lake Casino opened its new sports betting venue named Stage 131 Sportsbook & Lounge. Bets can be placed on professional and college sports with single bets, over/under bets and spreads. Self-serve kiosks are available throughout the casino and wagering windows are open Thursday-Sunday at these hours:

THU 12PM - 11PM
FRI 12PM - 12AM
SAT 10AM - 12AM
SUN 10AM - 11PM

The Gun Lake Tribe is the fourth Michigan tribe to launch a sportsbook. The first sportsbook in the state was opened by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi at the FireKeepers Casino Hotel in Battle Creek. The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians became the second tribe with sportsbooks launched at the Four Winds Casinos in New Buffalo, Dowagiac and Hartford. Last week the Hannahville Indian Community opened a sportsbook at Island Resort & Casino.

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Gun Lake Casino reopens June 8

May 29, 2020

Gun Lake prepares to reopen - Courtesy of WZZM 3 On Your Side, May 28, 2020. Available from YouTube

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Gun Lake Casino plans $100M expansion

October 23, 2019

Gun Lake Casino announced plans last week for a $100 million dollar expansion of its casino, entertainment and dining venues. The ground breaking for the project is expected soon and itscompletion is expected in the summer of 2021.

Rendering by JCJ Architecture. Courtesy of the Gun Lake Casino.

Gun Lake Casino President and COO, Sal Semola, said

'We have undergone a careful and detailed process to understand how to best serve the needs of our current guests - and enhanced dining, entertainment and gaming amenities are a high priority.'

'These great new amenities will provide new experiences for our guests as part of our continued effort to make Gun Lake Casino the premier entertainment destination in western Michigan.'

Rendering by JCJ Architecture. Courtesy of the Gun Lake Casino.

The casino gaming area will be increased by 72,000 square feet. The increase will include a larger high limit area and larger smoking area. The additional space will have 450 more slot machines and 12 new table games. The total number of slot machines will become 2,500.

Stage 131 will have double the space allowing for more seats and a new outdoor patio an dining service.

Two upscale restaurants are also planned with details to be announced at a later date.

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Gun Lake Tribe celebrates 20 years of tribal sovereignty

August 25, 2019

The Gun Lake Tribe celebrated its twentieth anniversary as a federally-recognized tribe on Friday Aug 23. The tribe, formally named Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians, was granted recognition status by the Bureau of Indian Affairs on August 23, 1999.

Federal recognition of a tribe establishes a government-to-government relationship with the United States and protects the tribe's right of self-government. Reservation land is sovereign land owned by the tribe and held in trust by the federal government.

KEY DATES

August 23, 1999 - The Gun Lake Tribe received federal recognition

2000 - Tribe adopted its constitution

2001 - Tribe applied for protection of lands under the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

2003 - Tribe hired Station Casinos to manage its casino project

2005 - Reservation land was restored after years of legal challenges.

2009 - Gun Lake Casino held ground breaking ceremony.

2011 - Gun Lake Casino held grand opening.

Gun Lake Tribal History

Courtesy of YouTube

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Gun Lake Tribe has contributed $1.5 billion to Michigan's economy

December 03, 2018

The Gun Lake Casino has been in operation for seven years. In that time the casino, the Gun Lake Tribe, and Gun Lake Investments have contributed the economy of Michigan $1.5 billion.

Gun Lake Casino Website

2,600 job positions have been created to support the casino. Each of those jobs have contributed $228 million into the economy every year.

The tribe employs 1,281 people for positions in their government, investment operations, and their casino. Payroll from these positions contribute annually $48 million.

Every year $36 million is spent by the tribe to purchase goods and services from companies that are located in the state.

$109 million is paid to the state and local governments. The money is used to pay for law enforcement, infrastructure improvements, and schools.

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Gun Lake Casino opens poker room

September 21, 2018

On September 14 the new poker room was opened at Gun Lake Casino. This is the newest of the other 40 card rooms in the state.

There are 100 people employed in the card room.

It is located in the previous area where Villa Pizza and Johnny Rockets were at the casino. It is a 3,500 square foot area.

Plans for the room were announced in May after the tribe had conducted research on what amenities and games guests were interested in. This resulted in developing a space for poker.

The casino property has worked many times on projects to renovate and expand the gaming venue. In 2016 $76 million was spent to bring more slot machines and table games. Last year plans for a new parking structure were announced.

Gun Lake Casino opened in 2011. It is located south of Grand Rapids by nearly 25 miles.

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News Headlines Continued

Gun Lake Tribe celebrates 20 years of tribal sovereigntyAugust 25, 2019 - Gun Lake Tribe received federal recognition on Aug 23, 1999 restoring its rights to self-government and to sovereignty of reservation land under the U.S. Indian Gaming Regulatory... Read moreGun Lake Tribe has contributed $1.5 billion to Michigan's economyDecember 03, 2018 - During its 7 years of casino operations the Gun Lake Tribe has conntributed $1.5 billion to the Michigan economy.... Read moreGun Lake Casino opens poker roomSeptember 21, 2018 - The first poker room opened this month at Gun Lake Casino. It is a nonsmoking room and features 14 tables and various games including Omaha and Texas Hold 'Em.... Read more09.21.2017 Gun Lake Casino plans more expansion09.06.2017 Gun Lake Casino opens 2nd phase of its $76M expansion

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Gun Lake Casino Open

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