History of Kewadin Casinos
The Kewadin casino chain was founded in 1988 by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, a federally recognized tribe located on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan’s southern coast. The first casino opened under the name « Kewadin Casino » with five electronic bingo machines and expanded rapidly over the Kewadin Casino in Canada years to become one of the most successful Native American gaming operations in the country.
Concept and Functionality
A Kewadin Casino is a type of commercial casino that operates within the state of Michigan but is owned and managed by an Indian tribe. The primary function of these establishments is to offer patrons a range of gaming activities, including slot machines, table games, poker rooms, and electronic bingo. These casinos generate revenue primarily through wagers on their various games.
Games Offered
Kewadin Casinos typically feature hundreds of slots machines from various manufacturers such as IGT (International Game Technology) and Konami Gaming Inc., offering a diverse array of themes like video reels with progressive jackpots, classic reel slots, and even modern electronic keno. Additionally, patrons can enjoy numerous table games including blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat, and poker, either in live or virtual formats.
Variations
Throughout its expansion across northern Michigan, Kewadin Casino has introduced several themed variations of gaming rooms:
- Kewadin Shores : Located on the shores of Lake Superior in St. Ignace.
- Kewadin Sault Ste Marie : Situated at 3014 I-75 Business Spur North.
- Kewadin Mackinaw City : Near the intersection of US Highway 23 and M-185 South in Mackinaw City.
Michigan Gaming Law
The Michigan Tribal-State compact dictates that Kewadin Casinos be subject to certain stipulations, such as:
- Native American tribes retain exclusive rights to operate commercial gaming activities on their respective reservations.
- Tribes can enter into compacts with the state of Michigan for limited commercial gaming operations outside of tribal lands.
Accessibility and Responsible Gaming
Efforts have been made by Kewadin Casinos to make their facilities accessible to patrons:
- Each location offers complimentary transportation service from nearby hotels, making it easy for visitors to access without a vehicle.
- A variety of dining options are available on-site at each casino, catering to diverse tastes.
Kewadin Casino places significant emphasis on responsible gaming practices:
- Mandatory age verification procedures prevent minors from accessing the facility or participating in gaming activities.
- Confidential self-exclusion programs allow players struggling with problem gambling behaviors to voluntarily abstain for specific durations.
Security Measures
Safety protocols have been established within Kewdin casinos, including 24/7 surveillance monitoring and access restrictions. Additionally, all staff members undergo thorough training on conflict resolution and crisis management techniques.