Gun Lake Casino Reveals $300 Million Expansion
By
Jane Shaw
Senior Editor
Updated: 05/13/2024
We count on Jane to inform our readers about the latest slot games in the US market. With her passion for video games and a degree in engineering, she’s our gambling tech expert. Jane’s also active in our blog section, where she tackles the curiosities and changes in the industry.
Gun Lake Casino
The Gun Lake Casino in Wayland Township, Michigan revealed new details on its massive $300 million expansion project during a topping out ceremony on Thursday. Casino and Gun Lake Tribal Council leaders gathered to sign and place the final beam, marking a major milestone in the construction process.
When complete, the expansion will bring a variety of new amenities aimed at transforming the property into a regional “staycation” destination. Arguably the most anticipated addition is the Wawyé Oasis. Gun Lake Casino CEO Sal Semola said:
The Wawyé Oasis is going to be a real game-changer, not just for Gun Lake Casino, but for entertainment and hospitality in West Michigan. We’re creating an immersive, tropical getaway experience that you can enjoy any day of the year, no matter what the weather is like outside.
The Oasis will be a 32,000 square foot glass atrium featuring three swimming pools, a swim-up bar, and a nightclub. The atrium will be heated year-round to a warm 80 degrees, and will also be host to concerts and banquet events.
Expansion Offers New Hotel, Spa, Dining Options
In addition to the Oasis, the project also includes a new 252-room hotel tower, which is expected to welcome its first guests in spring 2025. Other planned changes include a full-service spa, expanded meeting and convention space, and several new dining options.
Construction has been smooth sailing thus far, and despite some 300 crew members working on site, there hasn’t been a single reported injury. Semola also said in a press release that this safety record is something that he’s incredibly proud of.
The construction timeline is going according to plan, and Semola also stated that things are now at a point where they can “begin moving rather quickly.” According to him, the majority of the structural work is complete – which means they’re now at a stage where they can begin to fit out the interior. It now looks as though the project is just a few months away from completion.
About Gun Lake Casino in Michigan
Gun Lake Casino is one of the most prestigious land-based casinos and entertainment locations in the United States. It’s located halfway between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, and you’ll find it located slightly off Exit 61 on U.S. 131. The land-based casino has been operating for decades, and the expansion plan is the latest part in its story.
At the time of writing, Gun Lake Casino features some 2,600 slot machines, almost 50 casino table games, keno machines, and a fully operational sportsbook. Like most premier entertainment destinations, it also offers a superb range of dining options. One of the most popular is Shkodé Chophouse, which offers a contemporary take on traditional American food; think BBQ ribs, steaks, and shrimp.
Gun Lake Casino is situated on tribal land, and, as a result, it’s owned and operated by the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Potawatomi. The tribe has been pushing for the expansion for many years, and once they received approval, they began construction work almost immediately.