Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Tribal Omega Larry Romanelli. Image: Michigan Live) A new Michigan casino is on the horizon. State officials in Muskegon have started to show growing support for a proposed casino project. This could mean that construction will start in the coming months. The Michigan House Representatives have recently approved a resolution to build the casino in Fruitport Township.
The new resort, headed by the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, is estimated to bring thousands of new jobs to the community. Due to the growth of Michigan betting apps, there are also plans to launch an online counterpart for the casino. This would join the growing community of online operators in the state such as DraftKings and Barstool Sportsbook.
Over a Decade of Planning
After more than ten years in preparation, Muskegon County officials are one step closer to opening a new tribal casino. Since 2008, the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians has been trying to get permission to construct a casino in Muskegon. Following a recent approval, the casino’s construction could be given the go-ahead in the next few months.
The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians has worked tirelessly to gain approval to begin building the casino. The tribe currently owns the Little River Casino Resort in Manistee. For their newest project, the group is aiming for a bigger and better gambling space. Could this be the best Michigan casino yet?
Located on the Great Lakes Downs racetrack, the casino-centered development plans to include over 65,000 square feet of gaming space. There is also talk of a future Michigan mobile casino service. There are now a number of licensed online gambling platforms in the Wolverine State.
New Jobs on The Horizon
However, the new complex is not just going to help with the expansion of Michigan gambling venues. A proposed 3,000 new jobs will come with the opening of the Muskegon casino. 1,500 of these positions will be for auxiliary and construction workers, while the remaining 1,500 are full-time.
The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians
Officially recognized in the early ’90s, the tribe is one of the three tribes of Odawa people in Michigan. They have occupied the Manistee River’s surrounding area for centuries and now own one casino on the land. The Little River Casino Resort offers slot machines and game tables, and Michigan online sports betting.
Little River Casino Resort – One of the Best Michigan Casinos
Opened in 1999, the Little River Casino Resort offers a huge gaming space, a hotel, and various restaurants. Spread over a massive 23,000 square feet, guests can enjoy an array of activities. Over the years, the resort has expanded in different areas and began with just 600 slot machines.
After its renovation in 2016, it now boasts a 292-room luxury hotel and over 1,300 slot and video poker machines. There is also a 1,700-seat event center that hosts regular musical and comedy events.
Little River Casino Plans for an Online Michigan Casino
Following authorization in January, Michigan casino apps are now live. On January 22, the Michigan Gaming Control Board launched online casinos and sportsbooks to bettors across the Great Lakes State. Since its launch in January, operators across the Great Lakes State have made millions in revenue. DraftKings, BetMGM, and Barstool Sportsbook are amongst some of the biggest Michigan online gambling operators.
Rush Street Interactive
The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians is partnered with Rush Street Interactive and expects to offer online sports betting in the near future. RSI is one of the leading operators in the U.S and has both online casino and sportsbook platforms in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Colorado.
BetRivers Casino
Owned by Rush Street Gaming, BetRivers currently operates in four states. Their sister brand SugarHouse operates an online sportsbook and land-based casinos across the country. The most recent casino from the operator is the Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, located in Illinois.
For a review of BetRivers Casino in Michigan, click here.
Online Betting in Michigan
As long as you are over 21 and within state limits, you can enjoy betting both online and in person. Whether you want to access Michigan online gambling services or enjoy the classic casino experience, there is something for everyone. The MGCB is the licensor for all Wolverine State gambling operations and guarantees you a fun, safe and legal betting experience.
For more information on casinos in the area, check out our thorough guide on casinos in the Great Lakes State here.
