- Details
- By Tribal Business News Staff
- Gaming
The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians opened Crystal Shores Casino in Benzonia, Michigan, adding a third gaming facility to the tribe's operations.
The new casino, which opened Jan. 25 according to the Manistee News Advocate, features more than 70 slot machines and a restaurant.
The facility joins Turtle Creek Casino in Williamsburg and Leelanau Sands Casino in Peshawbestown under the Grand Traverse Resort and Casinos umbrella.
Grand Traverse Resort and Casinos CEO Johnny Barrientoz told the World Casino Directory the tribe plans to operate Crystal Shores for about a year to evaluate interest in a larger gaming facility.
"This is a starting point," Barrientoz said. "We'll probably give it a good year so we can get accurate data and decide how to proceed with the long-term plans."
The tribe has hired 40 people for the facility, creating new employment opportunities in the region.
Benzie County Board of Commissioners member Art Jeannot emphasized the importance of year-round employment following a November meeting. "That is what we need in this community. We don't need more seasonal jobs," Jeannot said.
While some local citizens expressed concerns about increased traffic during the development process, others welcomed the potential for new jobs, according to the Benzonia Record Patriot.
The tribe worked with Benzonia officials throughout the development process, which began with the project's announcement in November, according to the Traverse Ticker.
