6 Michigan Tribal Casinos Closing, Others Adding COVID-19 Restrictions

Despite not being obligated to do so, six tribal casinos in the Upper Peninsula are complying with the governor’s directives.

Due to a surge in COVID-19 cases in Michigan, six additional casinos are closing alongside Detroit’s trio of casinos. These closures come as a result of the state’s shutdown orders.

Greektown Casino, MGM Grand Detroit, and MotorCity Casino shut their doors in the early hours of Wednesday morning and will remain closed until December 8th.

Online sports betting is not yet available, effectively pausing the Detroit sports betting market.

While certain limitations on gaming, dining, and entertainment are implemented, other tribal casinos remain operational.

Bay Mills was first tribal casino to close in November

During the spring shut down, all 23 tribal casinos in Michigan were closed. However, the latest surge of COVID-19 cases has not yet resulted in their closure.

On Monday, the Bay Mills Indian Community declared that it would adhere to the guidelines of the state health department and temporarily close its casino once more.

After shutting down on Wednesday, Bay Mills is set to resume operations on December 8th.

In a statement, BMIC chairman Bryan Newland acknowledged the unpredictability of the pandemic and stated that they had wisely allocated CARES Act funds in anticipation of the possibility of another shutdown. He emphasized their commitment to safeguarding both the community and their employees.

Brimley’s Kings Club Casino, operated by the BMIC, remains closed since the spring and has yet to resume its operations.

Kewadin closing all five UP locations

Kewadin Casinos, following the example set by Bay Mills, declared on Tuesday night that all five of its locations will be closed until December 8th.

Kewadin Casinos in Christmas, Hessel, Manistique, Sault Ste. Marie, and St. Ignace are under the operation of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

Guests staying at the hotels were obligated to check out by Wednesday. In light of the closure, reservations for all guests were automatically nullified, and they were promptly reimbursed in full.

COVID-19 restrictions at other tribal casinos

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, tribal casinos implemented a range of safety protocols upon their reopening during the summer.

While only the six casinos mentioned above will be closing this week, numerous tribal casinos are introducing various operational changes.

They include:

• The retail sportsbook counter, gift shop, table games outside of high limit, and dining and drinking facilities have all been closed at Gun Lake Casino in Wayland.
• Club Four One entertainment, comprising live bands and comedy, has been canceled at Island Resort Casino in Harris until December 10th.
• Little River Casino Resort in Manistee has implemented several measures in response to current circumstances. These include reducing operating hours, limiting capacity to 25%, transitioning restaurants to carry-out services only, suspending table games, and temporarily closing every other slot machine.
• Table games have been suspended at the Ojibwa Casinos located in Baraga and Marquette.
• The Turtle Creek and Leelanau Sands casinos in the Traverse City region have implemented several changes. These include reducing operating hours, prohibiting food on the gaming floor, shutting down bars, switching restaurants to carry-out service only, and limiting table games to Thursdays through Sundays.

During the closure, customers are advised to contact the casinos directly for information regarding reservations, cancellations, and refunds.