“From the moment we began construction, we did so with the full support and cooperation from the National Indian Gaming Association, our local, county and state governments, and most importantly, from the community,” said Frank Freedman chief operating officer of Four Winds Casinos. “We are proud of the coordinated efforts of all of our partners in construction to keep us moving forward.”
"The casino will offer gaming that can be seen at its other locations, in addition to Four Winds’ signature restaurants," he added.
Pokagon casino's grand opening is scheduled to take place at 4 p.m. on Jan. 16. It covers 175,000 square feet and features 1,800 games, four restaurants, a players lounge, a coffee shop, three bars, a retail outlet and about 4,500 parking spaces – with an enclosed parking structure. It’s located at 3000 Prairie Road, on the city’s southwest side just off the U.S. 31/20 bypass. When complete, the casino will employ about 1,200 people.
John Warren, chairman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, said they decided to open a fourth casino with the hopes of making a “significant economic impact on the region.”
The other Pokagon casinos are all in Southwest Michigan.