The Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians anticipate a May opening of their new casino in Mackinac City.
The casino site is located about a mile south of Mackinaw City on Nicolet Street, where a water park once did business, and across from the America’s Best Value Inn. The tribe plans 64 slot machines in the 5,000-square-foot casino.
Mackinac City is a popular tourist spot, with ferry service to and from Mackinac Island and views of the Mackinac Bridge and Straits of Mackinac.
The Little Traverse Bay Band initially sought a Class III gaming license, but could not secure the consent of the Mackinac City Council. So it went ahead with a Class II gaming operations, which does not require local approval, and won’t offer blackjack, craps, or roulette.
As a Class II casino, the tribe can provide pull tab games, and non-banked card games among players, like poker. With a Class II operation, the tribe also does not need to share 2 percent of revenues from slots to local units or 6 percent to the state.
The casino generated some controversy, as the tribe sought approval for a Class II operation.
Supporters say it will be great for the local economy and provide more money for local schools, while opponents cited moral objections to gambling and potential increases in crime and problem gambling.
Work on the casino site began at the start of the month.
