Even though it has been less than a year since the opening of South West Michigan’s first casino, in New Buffalo, it appears that the venue has total transformed the tourist trade in the area. The area was once known as a short term ‘put stop’ for those passing through to Michigan but it has most certainly come alive in its own right of late, with more people than ever before dropping by for weekend and longer breaks.
While the Four Winds Casino Resort did not receive universal approval upon launch (there are still some opposed to the venture even now), it has made a massive difference to the area. As well as the casino, which is central to the complex, there is a 165 room hotel, restaurants and entertainment areas - not to mention the 3,000 slots available to play in the casino.
Hotels and local businesses in the area are reporting a substantial increase in trade with a number of bus companies looking to put together casino tour packages for their customers. All of this increased business, and income for the area, is before the substantial income which the State is receiving from the casino. If ever there was a business model showing how a casino can make a difference to a local economy, this is it.
Even though it has been less than a year since the opening of South West Michigan’s first casino, in New Buffalo, it appears that the venue has total transformed the tourist trade in the area. The area was once known as a short term ‘put stop’ for those passing through to Michigan but it has most certainly come alive in its own right of late, with more people than ever before dropping by for weekend and longer breaks.