Odawa Casino Resort

Odawa Casino Resort is a Northern Michigan casino resort. Located in Petoskey, Michigan, the casino opened for business on June 20, 2007. It is owned and operated by the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. The resort replaced Victories Casino in 2007, which had served as the tribe's casino until the new resort was opened. In addition to gaming, Odawa Casino Resort features multiple restaurants and retail outlets, a concert venue (Ovation Hall), a nightclub (The O Zone Nightclub), and a circular lounge bar in the middle of the gaming floor (Rendezvous). The resort also includes a AAA Diamond rated Hotel. Full shuttle transportation is available to all resort guests. Odawa Casino Resort is open to guests of all ages, however, the casino's gaming floor and the O Zone Nightclub are restricted to those of age 21 and older. Starting in 2011, the minimum gaming age at Odawa Casino Resort has been approved to be lowered to 19 years old.^[1]

Gaming

The gaming floor is approximately 50,000 sq ft (4,600 m²) and offers approximately 1200 slot machines in addition to 36 table games. Table games include blackjack, poker, roulette, craps, three card poker, Big Six, and Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em. Over 100 high-definition televisions are scattered throughout the property. The televisions show promotions, live contests, and DirecTV satellite broadcasts. Major sporting events are commonly displayed. The poker room currently includes 6 tables. Bingo was offered in 2009, but is not currently operating. Odawa Casino Resort is open 24 hours a day.^[2]

Entertainment

Ovation Hall is a concert venue located at Odawa Casino Resort. The hall can seat up to 1,000 people and hosts concerts, trade shows, and large conferences. Bill Cosby performed two shows at the grand opening celebration. Notable performers have included Regis Philbin, The B-52s, The Temptations, Billy Ray Cyrus, Joan Rivers, Don Rickles, and The Commodores.

The O Zone Nightclub is a circular nightclub featuring flair bartenders. The O Zone features DJs from radio stations "Big Country" and "106 KHQ". The club features a large display built into the ceiling that can play live video from the club. There are several "party pods" around the club that are separated by curtains. Inside the pods, guests have two private plasma screens and a fireplace. There are many other events such as stand-up comedy, variety shows, and cooking shows.^[3]

Hotel

Odawa Hotel is a recent American Automobile Association three Diamond recipient hotel. There are 137 total rooms (10 Suites and 127 standard guest rooms). There is also multiple conference rooms and a full service food & beverage service in the hotel. The food & beverage service includes room service, a delicatessen, and a full bar. Some service may only be available during peak hours.^[4]

Building

Odawa Casino Resort was built in 2006 and 2007 in 15 months. The 300,000 square foot resort was constructed as a joint venture between Shingobee Builders and Clark Construction. The architect was Leo A. Daly Architects.^[5] The design features several LEED energy efficiency standards.^[6]

Region

Odawa Casino Resort plays a major role in the Petoskey area in terms of income and influence. The Odawa Casino Resort employs roughly 1,000 people and was the 2nd largest employer in the area as of 2008.^[7] The opening of the casino signaled the hiring of nearly 500 people, helping to reverse a trend of unemployment that is higher than the national average.^[8]

Future expansion

Plans are in place to expand the Odawa Casino Resort, yet a firm date has not been set due to economic issues. Possible additions may include a new hotel which would be integrated into the Casino property.^[9]

References

External links

• Odawa Casino Resort Website
• Petoskey Chamber of Commerce