Stage Is Set For Gun Lake Casino’s New Sportsbook And Lounge

West Michigan is getting sports betting this weekend.

Gun Lake Casino in Wayland was open for bets at Stage 131 Sportsbook and Lounge starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

The first bet was made on the Detroit Lions by councilman Jeff Martin of the Gun Lake Tribe, according to the casino.

Stage 131 is the 14th retail location in Michigan to take sports bets. Gun Lake follows the Odawa Casino location in Mackinaw City, which opened betting terminals on Friday, Playinmichigan has learned.

Parx Casino near Philadelphia, the largest casino in Pennsylvania, will power Gun Lake’s sportsbook operations. Gun Lake is about 25 miles south of Grand Rapids, Michigan’s second-largest city.

Gun Lake will take bets for Big Ten football season

Stage 131 will offer sports betting on several sports, according to the announcement.

They include:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Boxing
• NFL football
• College football
• Golf
• Hockey
• Mixed martial arts
• Soccer
• Tennis

Stage 131 missed out on three weeks of the NFL season, but will still have plenty of action the rest of the year. With the postponed Big Ten football season, Gun Lake also will be able to take bets on the entire Michigan and Michigan State football seasons, which open Oct. 24.

Stage 131 Sportsbook and Lounge ready for bets

Stage 131 sportsbook has dozens of televisions, while the announcement said the food and drink options will be an attraction.

“Our dedication to provide an exceptional sports betting experience stems from our continued reputation of top quality entertainment,” said Jose Flores, vice president and general manager of Gun Lake, in a statement. “We have worked diligently to create a comfortable and exciting atmosphere within Stage 131 Sportsbook and Lounge for all guests interested in sports betting.”

There is a betting counter at Stage 131 and self-service kiosks located throughout the casino.

“West Michigan will now have access to the best sports betting experience possible,” Flores said. “Stage 131 Sportsbook and Lounge is fully staffed with sportsbook writers to support guests who are new to this entertainment option, welcoming all levels of experience to join in on the fun.”

Parx Casino partnership will power online operations too

The Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi tribe announced the Parx partnership in March.

The deal also positions Parx as the online sports betting and casino operator for Gun Lake.

Thanksgiving is the latest estimate for the launch of Michigan online gambling.

“Parx Casino is thrilled to partner with Gun Lake Casino to power their retail sports betting business” said Matthew Cullen, senior vice president of interactive gaming and sports for Parx, in a statement. “We’re excited to bring our expertise in exciting sports betting offerings, aggressive lines and intelligent risk management to the vast Michigan customer base.”

Parx ranked fourth in August sports betting handle out of nine operators, according to PlayPennsylvania.com. The casino took in more than $22 million in online sports bets and $6.5 million at its retail sportsbook.