But the new Four Winds Casino Resort in New Buffalo Michigan is a massive gaming space with more than 130,000 square feet of gaming space – that’s significantly larger than many casino floors in Las Vegas. Owned by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, the Four Winds Casino Resort is hoping to set a new standard for gaming in the Midwest. 

The property features 3,000 slot machines and 100 table games as well as a 165-room suite-hotel, six restaurants, entertainment bars and retail shops. 

“This is a proud day for members of the Pokagon Band,” said John Miller, chairman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, and president and CEO of the Pokagon Band Gaming Authority said on opening day, August 2, 2007.  “On behalf of the Pokagon Band, I would like to thank the members of our Tribal Council, members of the Pokagon community and Lakes Entertainment for helping to make this vision a reality.”   

“It’s an absolutely spectacular property.  It has the look of a Northwoods lodge with all the amenities of a modern casino,” said Matt Harkness, General Manager, Four Winds Casino Resort.  “Our staff will offer a level of guest service that has not been seen before in the region. We encourage everyone to come out and experience the difference.”

Upon entering Four Winds from its main entrance, guests enter an expansive rotunda which includes two stunning fireplaces.  These fireplaces pay tribute to the Potawatomi Indians, who are known as the “Keepers of the Fire.”  Over the course of the next year, renowned Native American artist Mike Larson will paint four murals in the rotunda that symbolize significant moments of Pokagon Band history.  Materials such as copper, cedarwood and stone can be found throughout the property, which are utilized in many tribal ceremonies.

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In addition to its gaming attractions, the Four Winds Casino Resort also offers six restaurants including Swimm, a gourmet seafood restaurant and The Copper Rock Steakhouse, a white table cloth gourmet dining experience.  Other restaurants include The Willowbrook Café, serving comfort food in a relaxed and casual twenty four hour environment, Timbers Fast Food and Deli, conveniently situated to offer a view of the casino floor and The Buffet, with seating for up to 500 people.

“If the Four Winds Casino Resort were located in Las Vegas, it would be the second largest casino in terms of gaming positions,” said Lyle Berman, CEO, Lakes Entertainment (NASDAQ:  LACO), which was retained by the Pokagon Band to develop and manage the property.  “It offers a full complement of slot machines, including progressive slots linked to other Native American casinos, ensuring the highest jackpots in the region.  Also featured are approximately 100 table games including Blackjack, Craps, No Way Craps, Three Card Poker, Pai Gow Poker, Crazy Four, Let It Ride, Mini and Midi Baccarat, Rapid Roulette and Roulette.  We are absolutely thrilled to be working with the Pokagon Band on this first class property.”

Connected to the casino is a 165-room, suite-hotel featuring some unique amenities. Every room features granite counter tops, leather wrapped headboards, a flat screen high-definition television, and complimentary Starbucks coffee. There are 98 suites available at Four Winds which include the Junior, Deluxe and Celebrity Suites, and feature curved walk-in showers, whirlpool jets and a wet bar with refrigerator and microwave. The six Celebrity Suites are created in three distinct themes, the Chicago Suites, the Harbor Suites and the Dunes Suites. They feature 60-inch high-definition TV’s complete with five-speaker surround sound, which provides the best in audio visual entertainment.

A portion of funds generated by Four Winds Casino Resort will be donated to a Michigan non-profit corporation, The Pokagon Fund. The mission of The Pokagon Fund is to benefit communities surrounding Pokagon Band trust land, where the Band is now conducting Class 3 gaming as defined in the Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), and the New Buffalo region. Contributions can be made to support government, charities, school districts, non-profit and non-governmental organizations.

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