The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians announced its new Four Winds Casino will open in South Bend, Indiana at 4 p.m., Tuesday, January 16. The first tribal casino in Indiana, Four Winds South Bend will be the tribe’s fourth casino, joining other Four Winds properties in New Buffalo, Hartford and Dowagiac, Michigan. The casino will be the first tribal gaming enterprise to open in the state.
Four Winds Casinos Chief Operating Officer Frank Freedman said, “From the moment we began construction, we did so with the full support and cooperation from the National Indian Gaming Association, our local, county and state governments and most importantly, from the community. We are proud of the coordinated efforts of all of our partners in construction to keep us moving forward.”
The 175,000 square foot venue will offer 1,800 games, four restaurants, players lounge, coffee shop, three bars, retail and 4,500 parking spaces including an enclosed parking structure. The facility plans to hire 1,200 employees by the time it’s completed.
Tribal Chairman John P. Warren, noted, “When we broke ground in December 2016, we did so knowing we’ll have a significant economic impact on the region. Once operating, it will generate revenue to fund services and programs that will create additional economic opportunities for Pokagon Citizens and the city of South Bend and also fund community projects, local organizations and schools. Our commitment to our tribal citizens, children and families of this region is our greatest priority.”
A Casino Association of Indiana study estimated the casino will lower Indiana’s tax revenue by more $350 million in its first five years of operation since as a tribal enterprise it will not be required to pay gaming tax revenue and it will decrease business at the state’s other casinos.
