User:Mbouschor/Kewadin Casinos

Kewadin Casinos is five of the 21 casinos in Michigan. Kewadin Casinos has operations in Sault Ste. Marie (1985), St. Ignace (1987), Hessel (1994), Manistique (1994), and Christmas (1994) and is owned by the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

History and development
In 1979, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians (Tribe) introduced Bingo, as its first form of gaming to Sault Ste. Marie. In 1984, the Board of Director's voted to develop the tribe’s most successful business, Kewadin Casinos. On November 15, 1985, Kewadin Casinos was opened in Sault Ste. Marie. Since this time, the Tribe has developed four (St. Ignace, Hessel, Manistique, Christmas) additional casinos throughout the Upper Peninsula and has expanded each site as needed. The profits from Kewadin Casinos has allowed the tribe to move closer to their goal of self-sufficiency, improve and increase membership services throughout the seven county service area, offer better housing, health and child care services, educational services, and much more.

Kewadin Casinos Hotel and Convention Center – Sault Ste. Marie
=Then= •	In operation since 1985 and is the Tribes first casino development. •	Original casino had 3,600 square feet and only had Black Jack and Big Six. •	In 1991 Slot machines were introduced to the gaming mix. •	Since then we had expansions in 1988, 1991, 1993, 1994, and 1997. •	In 1993, 20,150 square feet of office and gaming space, restaurant, and a 52-room hotel was added. (Atlantic Room) •	By 1994, 62,000 square feet of office space and gaming space was added. (Paradise Room)

=Now= •	1997 was the final expansion for now and leaves us with what you see today. •	118,000 square feet of convention space, office space and gaming. Operating 24 hours a day, all year round. •	1,500 seat state of the art showroom. •	22,900 square foot convention center. •	320 hotel rooms including 20 VIP suites, indoor swimming pool, and health spa. •	280 seat restaurant, one deli, three bar/lounges, and retail shopping. •	Native American art gallery.

Kewadin Casino – St. Ignace
=Then= •	In operation since 1988. •	Original casino had 4,000 square feet of gaming and only had Black Jack. •	In 1991, Slots were introduced to the gaming mix. •	By 1996 we added 27,000 square feet of office and gaming space. •	During this time Table games were added to the gaming mix. =Now= •	Rebuilt in 2007. Kewadin Shores 152,000 square feet. Operating 24 hours a day, all year round. •	Slots and Table games. •	81-room onsite hotel. •	2258 seat restaurant, deli, gift shop, fudge shop and three bar/lounges.

Kewadin Casino – Manistique
=Then= •	In operation since 1994. •	Original casino had 3,000 square feet of gaming and only contained Slot Machines. =Now= •	In 1997 we added 25,000 square feet of office space and gaming. Operating all year round with seasonal hours. •	Slots and Table games. •	70 seat restaurant, deli, gift shop, and one bar/lounge.

Kewadin Casino – Christmas
=Then= •	In operation since 1994. •	The original casino had 2,000 square feet of gaming and only had slot machines. =Now= •	Rebuilt in 2001. •	16,000 square feet of office space and gaming. Operating all year round with seasonal hours. •	Slots and Table games •	40 seat restaurant, deli, and one bar/lounge.

Kewadin Casino – Hessel
=Then= •	In operation since 1994. •	Original casino had 2,000 square feet of gaming and only had slots. =Now= •	Expansion in 1997. •	3,000 square feet of office space and gaming. Operating all year round with seasonal hours. •	Slots. •	One snack bar and one bar/lounge.