The Benzonia temporary casino will be opened by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB) on January 22. In addition to becoming the tribe’s third gambling facility in Michigan, this facility, which is situated at 7282 Hoadley Road, will also serve as a test site for a potential permanent casino.
A Strategic Expansion Move
The temporary casino, housed in a tribal government building, will offer slot machines and table games, accommodating up to 250 guests. This initiative allows GTB to gauge community interest before committing to a larger facility. A soft launch earlier this month, exclusive to tribal members, provided a preview of the venue.
GTB CEO Johnny Barrientoz emphasized the project’s long-term potential: “At some point down the road, once we get operations running and we can make plans to develop a new casino on that property somewhere, we will actually turn that original building back over to the government operations.”
Renovation efforts, led by Traverse City-based Litten Development, include updates to electrical systems, interior finishes, and the addition of a 90-space parking lot. Spanning 47 acres of trust land, the Benzonia site is well-positioned for growth.
The casino’s opening is expected to create around 40 jobs, offering competitive wages in Benzie County, where employment opportunities are limited. Barrientoz highlighted the impact: “This is just going to change their lives, change their future, and give them opportunities that they currently don’t have.”
The project aligns with GTB’s gaming compact with Michigan, ensuring compliance with state regulations. The National Indian Gaming Commission and Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the facility following a thorough review.
GTB’s foray into gaming began in the late 1980s, and the tribe has since become a key player in Michigan’s tribal gaming sector. As of 2023, the state’s 23 tribal casinos contributed $3.05 billion to the economy and supported over 25,700 jobs.
Local leaders, including Benzie County Commissioner Bob Roelofs, have expressed optimism about the venture. “We’re looking forward to seeing this get opened up,” Roelofs stated.
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