Gun Lake Casino will be able to better serve guests, create new jobs, and increase revenue sharing

(Wayland, Mich.) – Today, the Gun Lake Tribe (Tribe) and Gun Lake Casino (Casino) released details of a significant expansion slated at a total project cost of $100 million.  Preliminary site work is underway on the project that will bring new dining and entertainment options along with additional gaming space.  The expansion is projected to open summer 2021. 

“We are proud of the effort of our team members that has driven the continued success of Gun Lake Casino and our Tribe’s contributions to Michigan’s economy in the last eight years.  These expansion plans allow us to build on these efforts and provide even more employment opportunities and increased economic impact in our local communities,” said Tribal Chairman Bob Peters.

The expansion will add new building space going south towards 129^th Avenue to enlarge the gaming floor and high limit gaming areas.  Gaming offerings will increase by providing 450 more slot machines, 12 new table games, and a larger non-smoking area.  Stage 131 will double in size providing an improved entertainment experience with more seating, a new outdoor patio area, and offer a new dining service.  Two additional upscale restaurants will be included in the expansion.  More details about the new dining options will be provided closer to the grand opening date.     

The expansion will add 72,000 square feet to the existing 156,000 square foot facility.  This expansion brings the total Tribal investment into the Gun Lake Casino property to $415 million. 

“We have undergone a careful and detailed process to understand how to best serve the needs of our current guests – and enhanced dining, entertainment, and gaming amenities are a high priority,” commented Sal Semola, president and chief operating officer for Gun Lake Casino.  “These great new amenities will provide new experiences for our guests as part of our continued effort to make Gun Lake Casino the premier entertainment destination in western Michigan.”

Officials from the Tribe and Casino have thoroughly explored options for this expansion by engaging with internal senior leadership, outside gaming and hospitality research experts and industry leading casino resort architects.  The team will continue to analyze the market for new and exciting ways to entertain guests now and into the future.

Gun Lake Casino has experienced multiple expansions since opening in 2011.  This announcement continues development on the master planning and infrastructure required to create a first-class entertainment facility.

The Casino currently has 1,100 team members and will hire an additional 125 new team members in the following areas: food service, table games, slot technicians and guest services.  For excellent career opportunities visit www.GunLakeCasino.com to apply. 

Clark Construction has been hired to serve as the Construction Manager of the expansion project.  Preliminary site work is underway.  Construction will begin in the coming weeks, and the parking area south of the building, closest to 129th Avenue, will be closed during construction.  Signage will be erected to direct property visitors to parking areas such as the covered parking garage on the north side of the facility.  

The Tribe and Casino are proud to continue the long-standing partnership with Michigan’s skilled building trades unions for the construction of the expansion.  A total of 300 construction jobs will be created during the building timeline of the expansion.

Michigan Building Trades / Southwest Building Trades Council and West Michigan Construction Alliance Contractors are excited to be part of the expansion.  The following locals will be participating in the project: Bricklayers and Allied Craft Local 2; Carpenters Local 100/525; Plasterers & Cement Masons Local 514; IBEW Local 131; Heat and Frost Insulators Local 47; Ironworkers Local 25; Laborers Local 355; Operating Engineers Local 324; Painters and Allied Trades Local 1M; Plumbers, Fitters & Service Trades Local 357; Road Sprinkler Fitters 669; Roofers Local 70; and Sheetmetal Local 7.

JCJ Architecture has been hired as the lead designer for the expansion project.  JCJ Architecture is a diverse planning, architecture and design practice.  The firm's portfolio of experience, comprehensive services and collective knowledge make the organization uniquely qualified to handle gaming, entertainment, hospitality, hotel, and retail projects.  The firm currently has offices located in Boston, Hartford, New York City, Las Vegas, Phoenix, San Diego, and Tulsa and is registered to practice in 33 U.S. states.

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About Gun Lake Tribe

The Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians (Gun Lake Tribe) has a rich history in West Michigan and a close connection to the land.  The Bradley Indian Mission, located near Wayland, is the historic residential and cultural center point of the tribal community.  The Tribe’s ancestors, and political predecessors, signed treaties with the United States government dating back to 1795.  The Tribe was re-affirmed to federal recognition in 1999.  For more information about the Tribe visit https://gunlaketribe-nsn.gov/.

About Gun Lake Casino

Gun Lake Casino is located off Exit 61 on U.S. 131, halfway between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo.  The casino features over 2,000 slot machines, 47 table games, a high-limit room, a 225-seat café, and a 300-seat buffet, along with bars, lounges, and live entertainment. 

Gun Lake Casino is owned by the Gun Lake Tribe.  For more information, visit www.gunlakecasino.com.