Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge Review

Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge Review

Situated on the western shore of Grand Traverse Bay in Peshawbestown, Michigan, Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge stands as a tribal-owned establishment offering both a casino and hotel experience.

The Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge, initially established as a bingo palace, holds the distinction of being one of the original casinos in Michigan. This establishment is proudly owned and operated by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, a federally recognized tribe.

In addition, the tribe possesses and manages the expansive Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel, conveniently situated in Williamsburg, Michigan, a mere 15-minute drive from downtown Traverse City.

Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge has expanded its gaming floor to encompass 25,980 square feet, offering an impressive selection of over 350 slot machines, a dedicated bingo hall, and a diverse range of eight table games. It is important to note that the minimum age for gambling at Leelanau Sands is 18.

In addition, you will find a hotel with 50 rooms, a restaurant, a bar offering full-service, and a spacious showroom capable of accommodating 1,000 seats, complete with its very own bar.

Leading US sports betting operator William Hill signed a deal with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians in February 2020.

In September 2020, Leelanau Sands introduced retail sports betting kiosks that allow individuals to place bets. These kiosks are operated by the same management team that oversees the Onyx Sports Book at Turtle Creek, a nearby establishment offering a comprehensive sportsbook and sports bar experience.

In August 2021, Caesars Sportsbook and Casino rebranded the William Hill brand following their acquisition.

Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge location and hours

The address of Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge is 2521 N. West Bay Shore Drive in Peshawbestown, Michigan. The casino operates from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Sundays to Thursdays, and from 8 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge online gambling partnerships

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, owner and operator of Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge, entered into a long-term partnership with William Hill in February 2020. This agreement designates William Hill as the sole provider of online sports betting and online casino gaming in Michigan, subject to regulatory approval.

Besides introducing online casino and online sports betting products, the duo inaugurated a physical sportsbook named Onyx Sports Book at Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel in Williamsburg, located nearby. Additionally, a satellite sportsbook site with sports betting kiosks was established within Leelanau Sands.

In early 2021, online casino gaming and online sports betting features were introduced by William Hill. However, in August 2021, the brand underwent a transformation and emerged as Caesars Sportsbook and Casino.

The casino at Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge

Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge features a spacious casino spanning 25,980 square feet, operating until 1 a.m. on weekdays and extending its hours until 3 a.m. over the weekends.

There are up to 350 slots and eight table games available in addition to bingo sessions held four times a week.

This implies a limited assortment of slot machines, the most favored table games, and an intense bingo experience.

Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge offers a range of promotions at its casino.

  • Point multipliers
  • Giveaways
  • Special events
  • Euchre tournaments
  • Weekly polka party
  • Chance to win a portion of $40,000 in cash and fabulous prizes through Lucky Loot.
  • Stay and Play Package available from $55 onwards.
  • Senior Citizens Slot Tournaments: For individuals aged 50 years and above
  • The Second Wednesday of each month is designated as First Responder Appreciation Day.
  • Take advantage of our Casino Birthday Promotion! Simply swipe your card at one of our kiosks and have a chance to win exciting point multipliers or e-credits.
  • Veterans Appreciation Day occurs on the first Wednesday of each month.
  • Senior Citizens Day: Every Tuesday for individuals aged 65 and above
  • Enter now for your chance to win a portion of $3,000 worth of e-credits and stay forever young.

Slots

There are over 350 slot machines and video poker machines available at Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge.

There is a wide variety of modern reels, slot machines featuring bonus games, keno, and video poker available.

The most popular slot machines at Leelanau Sands are:

Leelanau Sands is also home to progressive slots, where jackpots increase with each qualifying bet. The Dragon Link, Lightning Link, and Lock It Link jackpots have the potential to exceed $10,000.

Table games

Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge offers a modest selection of eight table games, encompassing both timeless classics and the latest trends in casino table gaming.

Leelanau Sands offers a variety of table games including:

You can also enjoy euchre games every Monday at Leelanau.

Bingo

Join us at the Birch Room in Leelanau Sands Casino for an exciting game of bingo. Bingo sessions are held every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, commencing at 5 p.m. Additionally, we offer Sunday sessions starting at noon. Our midweek bingo packets are affordably priced at a mere $15, while Sunday sessions are available for just $20.

Leelanau Sands Casino Rewards Card

By utilizing the Leelanau Sands Casino Rewards Card, players can earn rewards for their gameplay while also enjoying property discounts.

You can become a member for free, and the card can be used at both Leelanau Sands and Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel in Williamsburg.

At both casino properties, your card allows you to enjoy discounts on accommodations and restaurants. Additionally, you can accumulate comps using the card, which can be later redeemed for food and accommodations.

There are five different membership levels available at Leelanau Sands Casino.

  • Sapphire offers birthday promotions and complimentary valet services.
  • The Ruby membership offers the advantages of Sapphire with added perks such as reduced prices on fuel, hotel accommodations, dining, shopping, golfing, spa treatments, and concert tickets. Additionally, it includes two additional entries for promotional bonuses.
  • The Emerald membership offers all the benefits of Ruby, along with exclusive perks such as a 48-hour pre-sale access to concert tickets, priority service lanes, and invitation-only events. Additionally, members receive three times the number of promotion bonus entries.
  • The Pinnacle package offers all the benefits of the Emerald package, along with a personal host, complimentary upgrades to hotel rooms, late checkouts, and the convenience of 30-minute slot machine holds. Additionally, it includes 5x promotion bonus entries for an enhanced gaming experience.
  • Onyx offers not only the Pinnacle benefits but also complimentary VIP experiences and 7 times the promotion bonus entries.

Additionally, the card grants access to golf, spa services, and shopping at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.

Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge sportsbook

Starting in September 2020, Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge and Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel joined forces with William Hill, the leading sports betting company in America, to offer retail sports betting services at their establishments.

There is a book titled Onyx Sports Book by William Hill, located at Turtle Creek in Williamsburg, Michigan. Additionally, Leelanau Sands has a satellite site equipped with sports betting kiosks.

They both commenced operations shortly after the start of the 2020 football season.

In Michigan, Leelanau Sands had initially chosen William Hill as its sole provider of online sports betting and online casino gaming. However, in August 2021, William Hill rebranded itself as Caesars Sportsbook and Casino.

Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge poker room

Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge does not have a poker room.

Nevertheless, the casino offers a sole No-Limit Texas Hold ’em poker table commencing every Friday at 4 p.m., accommodating a maximum of 10 players.

Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge amenities

The Leelanau Sands Lodge

Located near Traverse City, The Lodge is the Leelanau Peninsula hotel of Leelanau Sands Casino. With bay views and an array of modern amenities, this 50-room hotel is conveniently situated right next to the casino.

Hotel room amenities include:

  • Television sets with a 37-inch flat screen LCD and cable TV.
  • Complimentary wireless internet
  • Facilities provided in the rooms include coffee makers, hair dryers, microwaves, and mini-fridges.

Further hotel amenities include:

  • Deck offering stunning views of the bay
  • Eyaawing Museum and Cultural Center
  • Complimentary coffee and tea available round the clock in the lobby.
  • Free shuttle to casino

Dining and entertainment

Within the premises of the Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge, guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a restaurant, two bars, and a showroom.

Here are the details:

  • Come dine at Big Dex’s Restaurant, conveniently located inside Leelanau Sands Casino. We are pleased to serve you breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Our menu features monthly specials, delicious burgers, a wide selection of soups and salad bar, as well as convenient grab-and-go items.
  • Come enjoy our newly renovated casual restaurant atmosphere, offering buffet-style dining for all seasons.
  • Come and enjoy the local beer, spirits, and beverages served at Suttons Bay Bar, located on the casino floor of Leelanau Sands Casino.
  • The Showroom Bar is conveniently located adjacent to the showroom and operates exclusively during entertainment events.
  • The Leelanau Sands Showroom is a spacious venue with a seating capacity of 1,000. It hosts a vibrant lineup of live music performances, ranging from renowned national touring artists to nostalgic weekly polka classics.

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Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge history

In 1984, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians opened the Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge in Peshawbestown, Michigan. It began as a bingo palace.

In 1995, a renovation transformed it into a casino, and it underwent a $2.5 million makeover in 2013 to become the Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge that it is today.

The Leelanau Sands Casino recently underwent its first significant renovation in almost twenty years, transforming the interior to capture the essence of the region’s breathtaking natural beauty, showcasing its vibrant colors, lush forests, and distinctive ambiance.

The Maple Room is the new name for the former Bingo Hall and Elements Lounge, now offering an array of slots and video poker machines. The lounge adjacent to the Sands Showroom underwent renovations to become a modern and fully equipped bar. Additionally, the Bingo Hall has been relocated to the north end of the casino, taking the place of The Birch Room. Exciting additions include new concessions, a welcome center, and a cultural showcase exclusively dedicated to the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.

The casino’s Cedar Room was enhanced with the addition of custom chandeliers, tapered columns, fixtures, and a stunning stained glass mural depicting a woodland scene. Additionally, a light structure was installed to cover a newly created pit area, which now features blackjack, three card poker, craps, and roulette tables.

After undergoing renovations, Big Dex’s Restaurant unveiled its new look. Additionally, the older slots on the casino floor were replaced with brand new machines.

While all of these events were unfolding, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians was simultaneously engaged in constructing a gaming and hospitality empire in Northern Michigan.

In Northern Michigan, the tribe has taken ownership and control of Grand Traverse Resort & Casinos, a collection of three establishments offering gaming, entertainment, dining, and hotel services.

The Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel in Williamsburg is a well-equipped establishment with over 1,100 slots, 25 table games, a luxurious hotel, four delightful restaurants, and three lively bars. On the other hand, the Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge offers a bingo hall, 350 slots, and a diverse range of eight table games.

The non-gaming Grand Traverse Resort and Spa offers an extensive 900-acre space for year-round entertainment, recreation, relaxation, and a wide range of activities suitable for everyone.

The tribe collaborated with renowned sports betting brand William Hill to launch sports betting at their two casino venues in September 2020. Turtle Creek introduced the Onyx Sports Book, offering a vibrant sports bar ambiance. Additionally, down the road, Leelanau Sands unveiled a satellite location equipped with sports betting kiosks.

Caesars Sportsbook and Casino became the new name for the William Hill brand in August 2021.