The newly expanded Ojibwa Casino in Marquette is a sleek, modern building with red and blue neon lights. With over 500 slots on offer and a handful of table games, Ojibwa Marquette offers plenty to keep gamers busy.
This Marquette, Michigan casino is the second location owned and operated by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community has been involved in Michigan casinos and gaming since the start of the industry in the 1980s. The Ojibwa Marquette Casino has been a steady presence in the community since the nineties.
Ojibwa Casino Marquette Fact Table
| Year Opened | 1994 | |||
| Phone Number | 906-249-4200 | |||
| Address | 105 Acre Trail, Marquette, Michigan 49855 | |||
| Slots | 500 | |||
| Table Games | 10 | |||
| Hotel | No | |||
| Minimum Gambling Age | 18 years old |
Online Betting At Ojibwa Casino Marquette
Online gambling is not available in Michigan as of Summer 2020. But, the state government legalized online gaming, daily fantasy sports, and sports betting. The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) is working out regulations for what types of online games will be available and how they can be operated. The MGCB estimates a launch date for online gaming, online sports betting, and daily fantasy sports sometime in early 2021. However, retail sports betting is already available statewide as of March 2020.
The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community hasn’t yet established a public timetable for when they will be offering online games or sports betting. Ojibwa announced a partnership with Golden Nugget online casino in July 2020.
Ojibwa Casino Marquette History
The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community opened their first casino in Baraga in 1985, encouraged by the previous success of tribe member Fred Dakota. Dakota’s early casino in Zebu, Michigan, called The Pines, opened in 1983 and did well for 18 months. However, it was forced to close by the tribe and state courts after an unallowed expansion and relocation to Baraga, MI.
But, this early step showed that Michigan casino gaming was a possible and highly lucrative venture for tribal communities in the Great Lakes region. So, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community later worked together to open the Ojibwa Casino Resort Baraga in 1994.
After the Baraga location showed sustained success for about a decade, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community finally opened their second casino, the Ojibwa Casino Marquette, in a large blue building reminiscent of a warehouse.
Renovations To The Ojibwa Casino Marquette
By 2016, the Marquette casino was sorely in need of expansions and the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community began what would become a $38 million renovation. The project was fraught with delays due to electrical and water upgrade requirements, but Phase 1 eventually reached completion in late December 2019.
The renovations involved building a large addition to the old building that doubled the size of the casino floor, added a gift shop, a bar, and lounge, two new restaurants, and added a 1,200 seat event center. Additionally, the expansion also added 500 slot machines and 10 gaming tables for players.
Further, the casino’s two restaurants both offer casual fare. The Marquette Tavern (PDF) offers BBQ/Pub style menu such as oven-fired pizza, local meats, and regional wines. Superior Eats, offers diner food, like fish baskets and subs.
Now that this renovation is complete, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community is expected to move forward with Phase 2 on Ojibwa Casino Marquette. They plan to build a 76-room hotel where future guests can stay at the casino.
Loyalty Program At Ojibwa Casino Marquette
Additionally, the Ojibwa Casino Marquette provides a way for players to earn points at the slots or game tables with their Rewards Club. This loyalty club allows players to earn points at both of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community casinos in Baraga and Marquette. Players use these points on giveaways, products, and services.
For instance, you can redeem points for:
- Casino Marquette merchandise
- Gas vouchers at the Pines Convenience Center & Smoke Shop
- Meal vouchers at the PressBox Sports Bar & Grill
- Free play on slot machines
- Entries in special drawings and giveaways
It is also possible to earn extra points and free play on special days and events, such as Senior Day. Both the Baraga and Marquette casinos offer a Senior Day on the first and third Monday of every month. Players who are 55+ years can earn 10 points towards free play on their first $10 in bets.
Ojibwa Casino Marquette FAQs
Ojibwa Marquette opened in 1994 and completed major renovations in 2019.
The gambling age is 18 years old at Ojibwa Marquette.
As of June 2020, Ojibwa Marquette doesn’t yet have a plan in place to offer sports betting.
The nearest major city is Green Bay, Wisconsin, about 177 miles away via US RT. 41.
The Ojibwa Casino Marquette is usually open 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.
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