The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians has announced plans to establish a gaming facility in Benzonia, Michigan. The new venue, located on tribal trust land, is expected to bring economic growth and new employment opportunities to the region.
The gaming facility will be housed at the tribe’s community center, situated at 7282 Hoadley Road in Benzonia. According to a press release on the tribe’s website, the development aims to stimulate the local economy while addressing employment needs within the community.
During a presentation at the Benzie County Board of Commissioners meeting on November 26, tribal representative John Petoskey outlined the project. “What the tribe would like to do is to open a gaming facility on Hoadley Road just down the street from the Wesco gas station,” Petoskey explained according to The Benzie County Record Patriot. He added that the tribe submitted notification of the project to the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) and the Office of Indian Gaming during the summer of 2023.
Regulatory and Legal Framework
Petoskey detailed the legal basis for the development, stating, “In the view of the tribe, this site is eligible for gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act under what’s known as the restored land exception to the categorical prohibition of gaming after 1988.” This legal precedent mirrors the argument successfully used for the tribe’s Turtle Creek Casino.
State officials have been notified, and federal regulators were given a 120-day period to raise objections. “At this point, they have not raised objections, so our internal gaming commission at the Grand Traverse Band issued a gaming license on November 21,” said Petoskey.
The tribe reached out to Benzie County officials to ensure local authorities were informed and prepared to address public questions regarding the project.
Facility Features and Community Impact
The planned gaming facility will feature a mix of slot machines and table games. Renovations to the tribal center have already commenced, including architectural and electrical updates to prepare the site for gaming operations. Additionally, expanded parking facilities may be added if visitor demand warrants it.
Petoskey noted that the project would create between 20 and 50 jobs, providing much-needed employment opportunities in the area. The renovations and preparations are progressing quickly, with the facility anticipated to open within two months.
The tribe views this venture as a significant economic initiative. “The facility will create much-needed new employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth for the tribe and for the local community,” reads the official statement from the Grand Traverse Band. In addition to the gaming operations, the property also includes a housing development, further contributing to the community’s infrastructure.
