The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians announced late last year that they want to build a new casino at 7282 Hoadley Road in Benzonia, Michigan. The tribe said they would begin planning the new casino once the federal government placed the land into trust.
In a press statement, the tribe said, “The facility will create much-needed new employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth for the Tribe and the local community.” Now that the land has been federally recognized, the tribe plans to open a temporary casino on-site to gauge community interest.
The temporary casino is expected to open to the public on Jan. 22nd, 2025, in a government building already on site. Once the permanent casino is built, the tribe plans to turn the temporary site back into a government building.
Where Is the New Casino Located?
The new casino will be in western Michigan, just a few miles south of Benzonia and near Crystal Lake. Benzonia is a village in Michigan that reported 562 residents in 2024. While the area is considered rural, the casino will be located strategically near two state highways.
What To Expect From The New Casino
One of the main attractions of the new casino is the range of gaming options it will provide. The permanent casino in Benzonia will accommodate various players, from casual gamers to high rollers. The permanent casino is expected to offer:
Slot Machines—Slot machines are a casino staple, and Michigan’s newest facility will likely feature a diverse collection. Popular slot gaming machines often include classic 3- and 5-reel titles with elaborate themes and progressive jackpots.
Table Games – For traditional gaming fans, the new Michigan casino will also feature a full menu of table games. While the table game options have not yet been confirmed, they will likely feature the following:
- Blackjack gambling – A classic casino card game, the goal is to beat the dealer’s hand without exceeding 21.
- Roulette – A popular game of chance where players can bet on where the ball lands, either by color or number.
- Craps – A dice game that appeals to both beginners and experienced gamblers.
- Poker – Texas Hold ’em, Three-Card Poker, and other popular variations are often offered at MI casinos.
Michigan Casinos
Michigan currently has 20+ tribal casinos and three commercial casinos (Detroit). All the state’s western casinos are on tribal land and can legally offer class III gambling options such as live-dealer table games, poker, and slots.
Michigan is also one of the few US states that offer legitimate online casinos to players physically located in the state. The minimum gambling age for tribal casinos is 18 and above, and the three Detroit commercial casinos require players to be at least 21.