Located on the shores of Lake Superior, Kewadin Casinos is a group of casinos operated by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. With over four decades of operation, these gaming facilities have become an integral part of the local economy and tourism industry.
History and Background
The first Kewadin Casino was opened in 1983 at Sault Ste. Marie, with a small number of slot register now machines and bingo games. Over the years, the casino expanded its offerings to include table games, poker rooms, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues. Today, there are five Kewadin Casinos located across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula: Sault Ste. Marie (the original), Christmas, Hancock, Hessel, and St. Ignace.
Business Model
Kewadin Casino operates on a revenue-sharing model with the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians. As per their business agreement, a portion of the casino’s annual gross revenue is paid to the tribe in exchange for permission to operate gaming facilities within its ancestral lands. This arrangement allows the tribe to benefit financially from tourism and job creation while maintaining control over their land.
Types of Games
Kewadin Casinos offer an extensive range of games catering to different tastes, ages, and skill levels. Visitors can enjoy classic casino games such as slots (with denominations ranging from $0.01 to $1), video poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat, and Caribbean stud poker. Additionally, the casinos feature high-limit gaming areas with higher-stakes table limits.
Table Games
Kewadin Casinos offer a variety of traditional table games for both beginners and seasoned players. Some popular options include:
- Blackjack (standard rules)
- Craps
- Roulette (American and European variants)
- Baccarat
- Caribbean Stud Poker
The minimum bet on most tables is set to encourage friendly competition, while the maximum limit varies by game.
Slot Machines
With a vast library of over 500 slot machines across its four locations, Kewadin Casinos cater to various preferences. Games are sourced from top manufacturers such as IGT, WMS Gaming, and Konami, offering features like progressive jackpots, multi-line gameplay, bonus rounds, and free spins.
Bingo
As one of the oldest gaming options available at Kewadin Casino, bingo has been a staple since its inception in 1983. Games are held daily with various session schedules and prize structures, from small cash giveaways to grand jackpots.
Hotel Accommodations
Each Kewadin location features an on-site hotel offering comfortable accommodations for overnight guests. Rooms range from simple double beds to family-friendly suites with amenities such as flat-screen TVs, microwaves, refrigerators, coffee makers, ironing boards, and hair dryers.
Dining Options
Kewadin Casinos feature a variety of dining options to satisfy diverse tastes:
- Fine dining restaurants
- Buffets
- Sports bars and pubs
- Quick-service eateries
Many locations offer stunning views of Lake Superior or surrounding natural scenery, making meals an enjoyable experience even without gaming activities.
Special Events and Promotions
Throughout the year, Kewadin Casinos host a range of events and promotions that encourage visitor engagement. Examples include:
- Themed tournaments (e.g., blackjack, poker, and slot machine competitions)
- Giveaways
- Seasonal holiday-themed activities (such as Halloween costume contests or St. Patrick’s Day festivities)
Responsible Gaming
To promote responsible gaming practices among visitors, Kewadin Casinos provide various resources and support services on-site:
- Self-exclusion programs allowing patrons to opt out of gaming activities for a specified period
- Counseling sessions with trained professionals
- Problem gambling resource brochures
Additionally, some locations feature dedicated problem-gambling rooms where individuals can take breaks from active gaming areas.
Accessibility
Each Kewadin Casino is designed with accessibility in mind. Facilities include ramps and elevators for easier navigation between levels, accessible parking lots near main entrances, wheelchair-accessible restrooms, grab bars at high tables for players requiring assistance, Braille signage throughout the premises, and a sensory-friendly space for guests with special needs.
Environmental Initiatives
Kewadin Casinos strive to minimize their environmental footprint through various initiatives:
- Recycling programs
- Energy-efficient lighting
- Water-saving measures
While the specific effectiveness of these efforts cannot be verified due to lack of publicly available data, they demonstrate an effort towards sustainability and community responsibility.
Impact on Local Communities
With thousands of employees across its four locations, Kewadin Casinos is a significant contributor to local job creation. Revenue generated by gaming activities supports essential services such as public health initiatives, education programs, law enforcement, and economic development projects within the communities it serves.
The article concludes that Kewadin Casino has evolved into an integral part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula tourism industry while maintaining its Native American roots through revenue-sharing agreements with local tribes. While controversies surrounding gaming regulation may arise from time to time, the casino contributes meaningfully to regional job creation and supports various community projects through responsibly generated revenue.
