Introduction to Odawa Casino
Odawa Casino stands as a significant gaming and entertainment destination in Northern Michigan, owned and operated by the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. Established as part of the tribe’s economic development initiatives, Odawa Casino combines traditional gaming excitement with cultural heritage elements. The casino serves as both a tourist attraction and community cornerstone, providing entertainment options while supporting tribal programs through generated revenue.
The property has evolved since its opening, undergoing renovations and expansions to enhance the visitor experience. Located in the picturesque Petoskey area, Odawa Casino welcomes guests year-round, adapting its offerings to complement both summer tourism and winter activities in this popular Michigan vacation region.
Location and Property Overview
Odawa Casino enjoys a strategic location in Northern Michigan:
- Main Casino: Located at 1760 Lears Road in Petoskey, Michigan
- Odawa Casino Mackinaw: A secondary, smaller venue in Mackinaw City (seasonal operation)
- Accessibility: Positioned near US-31, providing convenient access for regional visitors
- Surrounding Area: Proximity to Lake Michigan, ski resorts, and other Northern Michigan attractions
- Parking Facilities: Extensive free parking including covered options and RV accommodation
The Petoskey location features modern architecture with design elements reflecting Odawa tribal heritage. The building’s layout prioritizes intuitive navigation between gaming areas, dining venues, and entertainment spaces, creating a cohesive visitor experience throughout the property.
Gaming Options at Odawa Casino
Odawa Casino offers diverse gaming entertainment across its gaming floor:
- Slot Machines: Over 1,000 slot and video poker machines ranging from penny games to high-limit options
- Table Games: Variety of table games including blackjack, roulette, craps, and various poker derivatives
- High Limit Room: Dedicated area for higher stakes play with enhanced service and amenities
- Bingo: Regular bingo sessions with progressive jackpots and special event games
- Poker Room: Live poker featuring cash games and tournaments
The casino regularly updates its gaming selection, introducing new slot titles and game variations to maintain a fresh experience for returning visitors. Gaming floor operations typically run 24 hours daily, with occasional schedule adjustments for maintenance or special events.
Odawa Players Club
The casino’s loyalty program, Odawa Players Club, offers tiered benefits:
- Membership Levels: Multiple tiers with escalating benefits based on play volume
- Point Accumulation: Earned points through gaming activity redeemable for play, dining, and merchandise
- Special Promotions: Member-exclusive offers including multiplier days and bonus drawings
- Birthday Benefits: Enhanced rewards during the member’s birthday month
- Partner Benefits: Discounts and special offers at affiliated businesses in the region
Enrollment in the Players Club is complimentary and provides immediate access to base-level benefits. The program utilizes both physical cards and digital tracking through the casino’s mobile app, allowing flexible account management options for members.
Accommodations and Amenities
Lodging options associated with Odawa Casino include:
- Odawa Hotel: Located approximately one mile from the main casino with complimentary shuttle service
- Room Options: 137 rooms and suites with contemporary furnishings and amenities
- Hotel Facilities: Indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, and business services
- Partnership Properties: Preferred rates with select area hotels and resorts
- Package Deals: Special offers combining accommodations with gaming credits and dining
The separated hotel and casino locations offer both advantages and limitations, with the shuttle service mitigating transportation concerns while providing a quieter lodging environment away from casino operations.
Dining Options
Odawa Casino features several dining venues to accommodate different preferences:
- Sage: Fine dining restaurant specializing in steaks and seafood with an extensive wine selection
- Copper Café: Casual dining option offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner with regional favorites
- Food Court: Quick-service venues providing various options for efficient dining
- Waas-No-De Buffet: Buffet-style dining with rotating menus and themed dinner nights
- Bar Venues: Multiple locations offering beverages and limited food menus throughout the property
Dining operations adjust seasonally, with expanded hours during peak tourism periods. The casino occasionally features special dining events, particularly during holidays and in conjunction with entertainment bookings.
Entertainment and Events
Beyond gaming, Odawa Casino provides various entertainment options:
- Ovation Hall: Multi-purpose venue hosting concerts, comedy shows, and special events
- Nightclub/Lounge: Evening entertainment including DJ nights and small live performances
- Seasonal Events: Special programming aligned with regional tourism patterns
- Cultural Celebrations: Events highlighting Odawa tribal heritage and traditions
- Promotional Activities: Regular entertainment tied to casino marketing initiatives
The entertainment calendar varies throughout the year, with more frequent bookings during peak tourist seasons. Ticket purchasing is available through the casino website, box office, or as part of package deals for Players Club members at higher tier levels.
Pros and Cons of Odawa Casino
Pros
- Tribal Ownership: Authentic connection to local culture and history with revenue supporting tribal programs
- Natural Setting: Beautiful Northern Michigan location near numerous outdoor attractions
- Varied Gaming Options: Comprehensive selection of games accommodating different preferences and budgets
- Year-Round Operation: Consistent availability regardless of seasonal tourism fluctuations
- Community Integration: Strong relationships with local businesses and attractions enhancing the overall visitor experience
Cons
- Remote Location: Somewhat isolated from major population centers requiring significant travel time for many visitors
- Separated Hotel: Distance between hotel and casino facilities necessitating shuttle use
- Seasonal Variations: Significantly different atmosphere and crowd levels between peak and off-peak periods
- Size Limitations: Smaller scale compared to major metropolitan casinos
- Weather Considerations: Winter travel challenges affecting accessibility during severe weather conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the minimum age to gamble at Odawa Casino? A: The minimum age to enter the gaming floor and participate in gambling activities at Odawa Casino is 21 years.
Q: Does Odawa Casino offer complimentary drinks while gambling? A: Yes, Odawa Casino provides complimentary beverages to active players on the gaming floor, including soft drinks, coffee, and alcoholic options.
Q: Is smoking permitted inside Odawa Casino? A: Odawa Casino maintains designated smoking and non-smoking sections on the gaming floor. The restaurants, hotel, and certain other areas are entirely non-smoking.
Q: Does Odawa Casino have an RV park or camping facilities? A: While Odawa Casino does not operate its own RV park, the property accommodates RV parking in designated areas. Several campgrounds and RV parks operate within a short driving distance.
Q: Are there child care options or activities for children at Odawa Casino? A: Odawa Casino does not offer child care services or activities specifically for children. Persons under 21 years of age are not permitted on the gaming floor, though they may access the hotel and certain restaurants when accompanied by adults.
Tribal Ownership and Community Impact
Odawa Casino operates under the ownership of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, with significant implications:
- Revenue Allocation: Casino proceeds support tribal government, education, healthcare, and cultural preservation
- Employment Opportunities: The casino serves as a major employer for tribal members and local residents
- Cultural Representation: Facility design and operations incorporate elements of Odawa heritage
- Community Partnerships: Collaborative relationships with regional businesses and attractions
- Charitable Initiatives: Support for various community programs and non-profit organizations
This tribal ownership structure differentiates Odawa Casino from commercial gaming operations, providing context for its development priorities and operational philosophy. Visitors often appreciate the cultural elements integrated throughout the property, adding dimension to the standard casino experience.
Tourism Integration and Seasonal Considerations
Odawa Casino functions as part of Northern Michigan’s broader tourism ecosystem:
- Summer Season: Peak operations coinciding with regional warm-weather tourism
- Winter Activities: Marketing tied to nearby skiing and winter sports
- Shoulder Seasons: Special promotions designed to attract visitors during spring and fall
- Local Attractions: Cross-promotion with area businesses and natural attractions
- Vacation Packaging: Inclusion in regional tourism bundles and multi-destination itineraries
The casino adapts its staffing, hours, and promotional calendar to accommodate these seasonal patterns, enhancing its role as a year-round entertainment anchor in a region with significant tourism fluctuations.
Conclusion
Odawa Casino provides a distinctive gaming and entertainment experience shaped by its Northern Michigan location and tribal ownership context. While more modest in scale than major metropolitan gaming destinations, the property offers comprehensive amenities and maintains strong connections to regional tourism patterns and cultural heritage.
For visitors to Northern Michigan or those planning a dedicated casino trip, Odawa Casino represents a destination where gaming entertainment complements the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the surrounding area. The property successfully balances gaming operations with broader hospitality elements, creating an experience that appeals to both serious players and casual visitors seeking entertainment as part of a Northern Michigan vacation.
Through continued evolution and community integration, Odawa Casino maintains its position as a significant entertainment destination in a region known primarily for its outdoor attractions and natural landscape.
