Michigan Casino Expansion in Arenac County Debuting Soon

The Saganing Eagles Landing Casino & Hotel will soon open a multi-million dollar expansion in the town of Standish, Michigan.

Speaking with The Arenac County Independent, General Manager Bob VanWert said the grand opening is scheduled to open the night of Sept. 8, but the gaming floor will be open to the public on Aug. 19.

The newly expanded gambling floor will include 315 additional slot machines on top of the 800 they already have. Opening simultaneously to the gaming floor will be a gift shop and 200-seat full service restaurant.

The hotel will have more than 140 new rooms in the five-story tower. Additional amenities include a hospitality suite, a restaurant, and retail space.

The ground-breaking ceremony took place on June 30, 2017. It was originally slated to open earlier this year, but ice storms and heatwaves delayed construction.

Arenac County Betting on Increased Tourism

“I believe that this project brings something new and exciting to the area that the residents will enjoy,” VanWert said. “The added amenities will draw visitors to the area who may not have ever been to Arenac County.”

The Arenac County Economic Development Director, Stephanie Buffman, told The Arenac County Independent that she was thrilled for the job opportunities the expansion would create.

“At our last Arenac County EDC meeting, it was reported that the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe had hired over 160 people as a result of their June hiring event and were planning to hire around 70 more,” Buffman said.

As for the impact on other businesses in the area, Buffman went on to tell the paper that she is expecting both the hotel and casino in Michigan to be a true attraction to visitors from across the state.

“I’m excited for the hotel to open in that it’s providing a lot of jobs,” Arenac County Commission Vice-Chairwoman Bobbe Burke said, according to The Arenac County Independent. “And it’s going to be beautiful and will provide us a much-needed venue.”

It won't have the statewide impact on Michigan's economy that Detroit's casinos do, but the project will be a welcome addition to the small city of Standish (Arenac County has a population of about 15,000 according to the U.S. Census). County officials have every right to be excited about this new venture due to the revenue that can be made from the casino.

Plus, Michigan is working on adding legal sports betting in the state for both land-based and mobile casinos. The Saganing Eagles Landing Casino could find itself in a great spot should the state legalize sports betting in the near future.

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