News Summary
The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians has announced plans for the Crystal Shores Casino in Benzonia, Michigan, set to open on January 22, 2025. The gaming destination will feature slot machines and aims to create around 40 local jobs. A soft opening for tribal members is scheduled for January 18-19, 2025. With renovations underway and a commitment to community engagement, this venture promises to enhance local entertainment and economic development.
Benzonia Welcomes New Casino on the Horizon!
Big news has landed in Benzonia, Michigan! The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians has officially announced that they will soon be opening a shiny new gaming destination called Crystal Shores Casino. This exciting venture will be located at 7282 Hoadley Road, right in the heart of Benzonia. Mark your calendars, folks, because the grand opening is set for January 22, 2025, with a special soft opening exclusively for tribal members taking place a little earlier, on January 18-19.
The Location and Space
Now, let’s talk about where this casino is going to call home. The casino is being set up in what used to be a community center within a tribal government building. So, it’s got the perfect spot to become a community hub! With about 2,794 square feet dedicated to the gaming floor, the space will comfortably accommodate around 250 guests at a time.
What’s in Store for Visitors?
When Crystal Shores Casino opens its doors, it will kick things off with slot machines only. While you may have to wait a little longer for table games, there will be all the classic slots you can handle! One important detail to note is that, initially, there won’t be any alcohol sold on the premises. The food service will also be limited to simple offerings, making it a casual stop for some gaming fun.
Job Opportunities Galore!
With such a new and exciting establishment in town, the casino is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy by creating about 40 jobs for the area with an average annual wage around $27,000. This has the potential to rise with tips included, allowing for some extra spending money. The tribe is focused on building between 20 and 50 new jobs through this operation, giving a much-needed boost to employment in the surrounding Benzie County community.
Planning for the Future
As the casino gets up and running, the tribe isn’t stopping there. They have future plans in mind to possibly expand into a larger casino facility in the same area. They’ll be monitoring interest and engagement from the community, so who knows what the future holds!
A Dedicated Team
Overseeing the transformation of the community center into a thriving casino is Johnny Barrientoz, the CEO of Grand Traverse Resort and Casinos. It’s his team that’s been hard at work making renovations that include updates to electrical systems, architecture, flooring, and furnishings to create a fantastic environment for visitors.
Community Bonding
The Grand Traverse Band has already established a strong relationship with Benzie County, contributing nearly $4 million in revenue-sharing payments since a consent judgment in 1993. This friendly partnership reflects a commitment to community engagement, which can only get better with the introduction of this new casino.
Public Safety Measures
Ensuring safety at the new casino is a top priority. A cross-deputization agreement has been arranged between the tribe and the Benzie County Sheriff’s Department to guarantee that public safety standards are met, allowing everyone to enjoy their time at Crystal Shores with peace of mind.
Parking Enhancements
As visitors flock to the new venue, parking will not be an issue. The casino plans to add approximately 90 new parking spaces to welcome guests, ensuring that everyone has a convenient spot to park upon arrival.
Get Ready, Benzonia!
As January 2025 approaches, excitement is brewing in Benzonia! With the promise of a fresh entertainment option and job creation right around the corner, things are looking bright for the local community. Stay tuned for more updates as the opening date approaches, and get ready to try your luck at Crystal Shores Casino!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WOOD TV: New Casino Opening in Michigan
- Crain’s Grand Rapids: Tribe to Open First New Michigan Casino in Nearly a Decade
- Traverse Ticker: Crystal Shores Casino New GT Band Gaming Facility Set to Open in January
- Wikipedia: Casino
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Casino
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
NOVI STAFF WRITER The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
