38 Indian Gaming June 2010

This month Indian Gaming magazine visited Little RiverCasino Resort located in Manistee, Michigan. Owned and

operated by the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, theproperty offers 1,470 slot machines, a host of table gamesincluding blackjack, craps and roulette, 292 beautifully appointedguestrooms and a 1,500-seat event center. An idyllic setting foran evening of gaming or a week of relaxation, Little River CasinoResort is highly focused on guest service and entertainment.

Before our tour began, we learned some background aboutthe Little River Band of Ottawa. The tribe is descended frommembers of the Grand River Ottawa Bands who lived invillages located on the Manistee River, Pere Marquette River,and several villages on the Grand River system in Michigan.As a result of historic circumstances, only that portion of theGrand River Ottawa people now known as the Little River Bandof Ottawa had its status as a federally recognized Indian tribereaffirmed and restored by the United States in 1994. OtherGrand River Ottawa people continue to pursue reaffirmationof their tribal status with the federal government to this day.

We met Ogema (chairman) Larry Romanelli, who explainedthat the tribe started in gaming in 1999 with a small buildinglocated next door to the current resort, which is located on a40-acre parcel. “There are many factors that differentiateLittle River from other area casino and resort properties, hesaid. “There are 20 casinos in Michigan and the difference of

this resort over many is the terrific service guests receive fromour team members. The staff is truly the face of the Little RiverCasino Resort property and we strive to make every guest feelspecial and have fun. We are also the largest employer in thecounty, with 900 employees. The resort has really had a verypositive impact on the local community as both a directemployer and also with the local vendor companies. The tribehas also benefited from the casino, which reestablished the tribalgovernment, housing, health care, education program fortribal members, and a language program to help save the triballanguage.”

Eileen Duffin, Director of Marketing for Little River,explained that the casino has been operating for eleven yearsand after three expansion phases it has truly become a world-class resort. “The latest expansion included two new hotelswith 192 additional rooms, the spectacular Winter GardenAtrium, and a 1,500-seat event center, all designed by HnedakBobo Group.” From the exterior, the resort has a wonderful,lodge-style appearance.

The spacious hotel lobby is very welcoming and relaxing forguests checking in or unwinding before a visit to the casino floor.Connected to the lobby is the Cultural Hallway, a specialplace where historical displays honor the Little River Band ofOttawa Indians, including an array of tribal regalia, artifacts,photographs and a canoe. This stunning display adds a

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Destination: Little River Casino ResortManistee, Michigan

Little River Band of Ottawa Indians

June 2010 Indian Gaming 39

powerful cultural element to the property, sharing with guestsan insightful historical perspective about the tribe.

At the casino, we met Mark Kruspe, Director of GamingOperations. He took us on a tour of the slot floor, starting withthe 2020 Room where the future of gaming is showcased.Here the latest community gaming products from Bally, IGTand WMS are showcased right next to each other. Guests lineup to get into this space to experience the wild, noisy energy.“This room that has really become a huge hit with our guests.Because community gaming is such an interactive product itreally is an exciting experience. The demographic for thisroom tends to be somewhat younger and guests often come ingroups to play together.”

According to Kruspe, about 20% of the 1,470 slot games arerefreshed each year. “A vast majority of our games are pennygames, however the floor includes denominations up to $100machines, so there is good diversity on the floor. We also usea lot of flat screens to deliver information about promotionsand upcoming entertainment shows.” Kruspe went on toexplain that the casino is 100% ticket-in/ticket-out, with slotattendants utilizing handheld barcode reader systems that readcustomers’ tickets right on the floor. “This means a guest canjust get up from a machine and get paid instantly so there isno waiting in line for the cashier. This has really become verypopular with our guests and we’re the only casino in Michi-gan that offers this service.”

The high-limit area houses 65 gaming machines withdenominations ranging from $1 to $100. The new smoke-freeslot room includes 40 machines and has a positive airflow, sowhen guests open the door, the room’s air is pushed out pre-venting any smoke from the main floor from entering. Inaddition, the popular table games area includes 25 tables withblackjack, craps, roulette and the popular Texas Hold ‘Em.

There are terrific dining options at the resort. Heron at the

River serves a tempting array of Amer-ican entrée choices. The restaurant’srelaxing atmosphere features the largestaquarium in the state, filled with color-ful fish. The Rapids is open 24 hours aday to serve guests soups, salads, sand-wiches and pizza. The Willows Buffetoffers great family dining with over 100food items and breakfast, lunch anddinner buffet lines. Seating is availablefor 290 guests at a time and on week-ends the restaurant features a specialprime rib and seafood buffet.

The Willows is so popular that akiosk is being added to allow guests topurchase a ticket for the buffet, thenchoose a time to dine. This will helpavoid long waits at the restaurant so

guests have more time to enjoy the gaming and entertainmentoptions at the property.

The hotels at Little River include 292 beautifully appointed guestrooms.

The stunning Winter Garden Atrium adds a soothing element to theresort.

40 Indian Gaming June 2010

One of the unique settings at theproperty is the spectacular 10,000sq. ft., 70-foot-high Winter GardenAtrium, which incorporates flowingstreams, waterfalls and rock featuresfilled with lush, regional landscapes.Kruspe explained that the casino is inthe process of putting slot machinesin the Winter Garden. “This newgaming area will be called TranquilGaming,” he explained. “Themachines will be low and quiet sothat guests can see and hear the waterfeatures. It will be a very relaxed areafor our guests to play.”

The resort now includes threehotels with a total of 271 upgradedguestrooms and 20 luxury suites, allwith 24-hour room service. All three hotels are attachedto the casino for guest comfort and convenience. TheNorthern Lodge architecture offers opportunities to enjoybeautiful natural surroundings, as well as a private fitnesscenter, indoor pool, sauna, and hot tub, which are availablefor all guests to enjoy.

At the Bayou Pool & Sauna, guests enjoy a celestial-inspired indoor pool facility. Complete with a whirlpooland sauna, a visit to the Bayou will ensure guests’ completerelaxation. Guests can also book spa appointments at Relaxat the River, including hot-stone, relaxation, or deep-tissuemassages.

Eileen Duffin joined us for the tour of Bear’s Den Enter-tainment center, which can seat up to 1,500 for music showsand features state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment.

“The entertainers really like this showroombecause the whole area is so well thoughtout,” Duffin said. “There are four dressingrooms and a green room that are all veryspacious. There is also an area for parkingtour buses and a loading dock right next tothe stage, which makes set up easy.” Thespace features a tiered floor, so that everyseat has a clear view, and can also accommo-date expos, weddings and meetings.

The resort’s 9,000 sq. ft. conferencecenter features moveable walls that can beconfigured for the specific needs ofattendees. The center also offers Internetaccess and video conferencing, making itideal for business functions.

We also toured the property’s RV Park, which is veryimpressive. It includes upscale clubhouse facilities and 44 RVsites with wireless Internet access.

Little River Casino Resort is a very relaxing, guest-oriented gaming property. Its lodge-like look and feel makefor a relaxed upscale atmosphere. The level of serviceprovided by the staff is incredible. The whole team isgenuinely interested in making sure that guests have aterrific time at the property. Little River Casino Resortoffers state-of-the-art innovations that truly enhance theentertainment experience for guests. It is one of IndianCountry’s must-see resort destinations! �

For more information about Little River Casino Resort, visitwww.littlerivercasino.com.

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Bear’s Den Entertainment Center features state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems.

The hotel’s mini-suites include a fireplace, king-sized bed,and large balcony.