Little River Casino Resort

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Little River Casino Resort

Situated in Manistee, Michigan, Little River Casino Resort is a tribal casino that offers a unique gambling experience. This casino is located in the northwest region of the Lower Peninsula, providing visitors with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan.

The casino is owned and operated by the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians.

The casino offers a wide selection of entertainment options, including over 1,400 slot and video poker machines. Moreover, visitors can enjoy numerous table games and choose from a variety of eight different games. It is important to note that players must be at least 18 years of age to participate.

Within the resort, there is a 292-room hotel and a 95-space RV park, offering accommodation options for various preferences. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a dining experience at any of the four restaurants available. Hotel guests are also provided with the convenience of 24-hour room service.

The River Rock Sportsbook has been recently introduced by the Little River Casino and Resort. The casino’s ownership has joined hands with Rush Street Interactive, a renowned casino operator, to bring its sportsbook brand, BetRivers, to Michigan. Additionally, Rush Street will assist Little River in managing its retail sports betting operation.

Since 2008, the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians had been actively seeking to establish an off-reservation casino in Fruitport Township. However, on June 15, 2024, Governor Gretchen Whitmer rejected their request after a prolonged six-month period of indecision regarding the project. Governor Whitmer explained that her decision was influenced by an imminent ruling on the federal recognition of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians.

Continue reading to find out the most recent updates, news, and details regarding the Little River Casino Resort.

Little River Casino Resort

  • 2700 Orchard Highway, Manistee, Michigan 49660
  • The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians is the owner and operator.
  • Hours: 24 hours daily
  • The assortment of casino games includes slot machines, blackjack, craps, roulette, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Let It Ride, 3 Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, and Crazy 4 Poker.
  • The River Rock Sportsbook was introduced in July 2020.
  • Poker: No
  • Age: 18 and up

Little River online gambling partnerships

In June 2020, the Little River Casino Resort and Hotel revealed its agreement with gambling operator Rush Street Interactive for their Michigan sports betting activities.

In addition, Rush Street will provide support to LRC in operating and managing their retail sports betting operation that commenced in July 2020.

Incorporated within the Rush Street agreement was the inclusion of an online casino platform, subsequently leading to the launch of online sports betting and online casino gaming in Michigan during January of 2021.

The casino at Little River Casino Resort

The casino located within Little River Casino Resort is undoubtedly one of the largest in the state, especially when compared to some of Michigan’s tribal casinos that are scarcely larger than an average house.

In contrast, the Little River Casino (LRC) boasts an impressive array of amenities, features, and irresistible allure that could easily attract a larger crowd. Despite being situated in a somewhat secluded area, this casino fulfills every gambler’s desire.

Little River Casino Resort (LRC) always has a variety of promotions available for you to enjoy. Here are a few examples of the exciting promotions you may discover on the LRC website, waiting for you to redeem them.

  • Hometown Heroes: Every Tuesday, veterans who present their ID can enjoy double points, food credits, bonus bets, or River Credits.
  • Club 50 offers an opportunity for players to win River Credits or bonus bets by either earning two points on slots or obtaining a $10 rated value on a table game. Only those who belong to the club are eligible to participate.
  • Double points
  • On Friday, the casino has an exciting promotion called the $40,000 Slot Hot Seats. During this event, lucky players seated at various machines will be randomly chosen to receive a prize of $1,000 or greater. The prizes awarded can come in the form of either cash or River Credits.
  • The Made in the Shade Slot Hot Seats promotion offers a total of $82,000 in prizes. It follows a similar format to the $40,000 promotion, but provides participants with even more opportunities to win.
  • Choose a Beach Ball: Pick a beach ball and stand a chance to win site credits worth up to $35.

Little River Casino offers more than just the gaming options mentioned earlier. It boasts a high limit section where you can find a variety of 50 slot machines, each with a minimum betting limit of $5 or more. Additionally, this exclusive area provides a more secluded environment for high-minimum table games.

Slot machines and video poker

At Little River Casino Resort, you’ll find over 1,400 gaming machines that include both slots and video poker. However, slots take the lead in terms of quantity and popularity.

The LRC roster features a variety of new slot machines, such as Dragon Links, Buffalo, Anchorman, Elephant King, the Voice, Lock It Links, Quick Hit, Casablanca, and Heat Em Up Power Wheel. Please note that this list is not exhaustive.

Make sure to include a visit to the casino in your plans to explore the wide range of games available. The sheer number of options can be intimidating, but don’t hesitate to obtain a map of the machines or a copy of the computer program to navigate through the casino with ease.

Please note that there are also multiple video poker machines spread out across the premises.

Table games

At Little Rock Casino Resort, you’ll find a remarkable assortment of table games to enjoy. Whether you prefer to wager as low as $1 per hand or go all-in with $5,000, we have you covered. Our games selection includes:

Little River Casino Resort Players Club

Similar to the majority of casinos, the Little River Casino Resort extends a loyalty program to acknowledge and appreciate its patrons for their consistent engagement. Available for all players aged 18 and above with a valid ID, the Little River Casino Resort Players Club invites participation.

The Players Club consists of four distinct status levels: Lucky, Silver, Gold, and Elite. Each level offers its own unique perks and advantages. In addition to the specific benefits associated with each level, players also receive all the privileges of the lower levels.

Players who possess the Lucky card (ranging from 0 to 999 points) have the option to exchange their points for River Credits, which can be used to play slots. Moreover, these points can also be utilized for various other amenities available on-site, such as dining at restaurants and enjoying spa visits. Additionally, Lucky level players are entitled to personalized hotel rates and are eligible to participate in promotions for the chance to win cash prizes and other rewards.

Players with 1,000 to 7,499 points on their Silver card are eligible for exclusive level promotions and will enjoy a variety of special offers. Additionally, Silver members will receive extra entries in select prize drawings. Moreover, the Silver card grants a 10% discount at onsite dining options and the White Pine Boutique.

Once customers achieve Gold card status, with points ranging from 7,500 to 18,749, they will notice a significant increase in benefits. Firstly, discounts at restaurants and the White Pine Boutique surge to 15%. However, the real highlight lies in the VIP treatment accompanying this status. Gold card members enjoy priority access to both the buffet and the Players Club, gain exclusive access to a VIP lounge for relaxation, and are provided with VIP parking privileges.

Rare company is achieved by players who reach Elite membership status, which requires accumulating 18,750 points or more. As a reward for their dedication, they gain access to exclusive benefits such as Express VIP hotel check-ins, priority valet service, and premium seating for onsite entertainment. Additionally, they have the opportunity to embark on charter fishing excursions in the lake and exchange their points for gasoline at the Little River Trading Post Gas Station. Furthermore, Elite members enjoy substantial discounts of 25% at restaurants and the boutique. Most notably, they have the privilege of reserving and holding their preferred slot machines for a minimum of one hour, even if they are not present.

Little River Casino Resort sportsbook

In June 2020, the Little River Band of Ottawa formed a partnership with Rush Street Interactive, a gaming and sportsbook operator, to kickstart their online and retail sports betting endeavors.

River Rock Sportsbook, the retail sportsbook at Little River Casino Resort, is managed directly by Rush Street. It commenced its operations in July 2020.

River Rock boasts an array of televisions, including a colossal wall adorned with immense screens that exude a nostalgic Las Vegas ambiance. Positioned in a nook adjacent to the massive TV wall, you’ll find the trio of sports betting windows, while the seating arrangement in front of it mimics the layout of a stadium.

Inside the restaurant and just outside the entrance to River Rock Casino, a cluster of kiosks can be found, offering betting services. Accessing River Rock is convenient once you enter through the main casino entrance.

All offers are subject to terms and conditions. For specific details, kindly refer to Little River Resort Sportsbook. If you are 21 years old or above and experiencing gambling issues, please contact 1-800-GAMBLER+.

Little River Casino Resort amenities

If all a facility has is a casino, it wouldn’t be appropriate to label it as a resort. Luckily, the LRC offers numerous additional amenities to enhance the overall comfort of its visitors.

The hotel at Little River Casino Resort

The hotel is the most significant service provided at the Little River Casino Resort, boasting 292 beautifully designed rooms with Northern Lodge-style architecture spread across the entire property.

The hotel provides rental options for both standard and suite rooms. These rooms are furnished with either two queen beds or a king bed, and there is also the possibility to rent a room with a fireplace included.

No matter which level you choose, your room will have the following items readily available.

  • Two-line telephone (with voicemail)
  • Premium channels are included in the cable television package.
  • Coffee pot
  • Hairdryer
  • Ironing board and iron
  • In-room safe
  • Wireless internet

During your stay, all hotel guests are provided with access to a range of amenities including the property’s hot tub, sauna, heated outdoor pool, and two indoor pools. Additionally, there is a fitness center available to keep you in shape and the Nectar Spa and Salon to ensure you maintain a polished appearance.

RV park

Guests staying at the RV park can also enjoy these amenities. The park offers 95 concrete pads that are level, and you have the option to choose between pull-through and back-in spots.

All of the sites on the premises are equipped with water, electric, and cable TV hookups, while a select few also provide sewer connections. Furthermore, the entire property offers complimentary wireless internet access to all guests.

Below are several additional amenities offered at the RV Park of Little River Casino Resort:

  • Full restrooms with showers
  • Trail for walking with a designated area for dogs to run
  • Coin-operated vending and laundry
  • Transportation is provided to and from the casino location.
  • A seating area with charcoal grills is available at the pavilion.
  • Refreshments such as tea, coffee, and water are provided free of charge.

Dining

Naturally, when individuals spend a considerable amount of time, hunger is bound to strike. Therefore, Little River Casino Resort offers four diverse choices for guests to enjoy a meal or grab a refreshing beverage.

The Big Lake Buffet is undoubtedly the top choice for satisfying your hunger at the LRC. Just like in many other casinos, this buffet is a beloved feature with its multiple cooking stations, ever-changing selection of dishes, and an expansive dessert section. Moreover, on weekends, the casino goes the extra mile by offering premium delicacies such as prime rib, lobster, and crab legs.

If the extensive variety of food at the buffet isn’t appealing to you, you can visit the Rapids Bistro instead. This relaxed eatery offers a menu with sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and other typical dishes, eliminating the overwhelming options of the buffet. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack, the Rapids has you covered, as they are open for 21 hours a day.

If your sole desire is for a beverage, the Horseshoe Bar could be a more suitable choice. Situated at the heart of the casino floor, this establishment caters to adult beverage preferences, offering a variety of cocktails, craft beer, whiskey, and martinis. Additionally, if you have an interest in cigars, you can also find them available here.

The Little River Casino Resort is undergoing a significant transformation in its business operations, particularly at the River Rock Sportsbook & Grill. This establishment, known for its sports-bar atmosphere and extensive collection of 60 television screens, is introducing sports betting. Soon, patrons will have the opportunity to place bets and enjoy their favorite pub food such as burgers, wings, and more while watching the games unfold. Already an excellent spot to catch a game and grab a bite, the grill is about to elevate the experience to new heights.

Guests staying at the LRC hotel have an additional choice to satisfy their hunger and thirst. The resort offers a round-the-clock in-room dining service, ensuring that whether you’re in need of a full meal or a late-night bite, there is always an option available.

Entertainment

Little River Casino Resort’s 1,600-seat event center is not only intended for those interested in gambling but also caters to individuals looking forward to enjoying performances, bands, and other live acts.

The event center is an exquisitely designed theater venue that can accommodate a wide range of performances. Show attendees are provided with free parking, and the theater ensures accessibility for disabled individuals, including wheelchair access.

Despite the prevailing darkness caused by the ongoing health situation in the US, shows in Manistee’s venue are bound to make a comeback. Stay vigilant and stay updated with the calendar to ensure you don’t miss out.

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Little River Casino Resort history

Situated in the northwest region of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, you will find the Little River Casino Resort. Nestled in the charming town of Manistee, this resort sits conveniently at the crossroads of two prominent roads, US31 (Chippewa Highway) and M22 (Orchard Highway). Located northeast of Manistee itself and a mere five miles east of the stunning Lake Michigan.

The casino originally commenced operations in 1999, featuring 600 slot machines and an absence of table games, but harboring ambitious aspirations. Over time, the establishment has significantly expanded, establishing itself as a prominent fixture in the region.

Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, MI underwent a significant renovation in 2016, resulting in the addition of over 1,300 slot and video poker machines all conveniently housed under one roof. Additionally, the resort offers a variety of eight different table games, with numerous tables available for each.

Owned and operated by the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Little River Casino Resort boasts a plethora of amenities including a 292-room hotel, a full-service spa and salon, a 95-space RV park, four restaurants, and a 1,600-seat event center.

In June 2020, LRCR and the tribe struck a deal with Rush Street Interactive, forming a partnership for sports betting and online gambling. As part of the agreement, the facility’s bar and grill was rebranded as River Rock Sportsbook, and it officially opened in July 2020.

LRCR and BetRivers were among the first platforms to be launched in Michigan in January 2021, offering online sports betting and casino gaming options.

Since 2008, the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians has been actively seeking to establish an off-reservation casino in Fruitport Township. However, on June 15, 2024, Governor Gretchen Whitmer denied their request after a six-month delay in reaching a decision regarding the project. Governor Whitmer explained that her decision was influenced by the pending federal recognition decision for the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians. If the Grand River Bands are granted federal recognition, they would have the right to build a casino on adjacent properties.