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To make the summer of 2021 a successful one, Michigan casinos aim to revive their operations by recruiting and reestablishing their workforce.
Michigan’s tribal casinos are eagerly preparing for the upcoming summer tourism season, evident in the recent elimination of mask mandates and reopening of the state.
The job fairs are also.
Gun Lake Casino raising minimum wage for workers
In order to attract workers back to casinos, Gun Lake Casino in West Michigan is ramping up its efforts by aiming to recruit over 200 new employees.
According to an announcement, the Gun Lake Tribe’s Wayland casino will be increasing its minimum starting wage to $14 per hour.
The employer’s lowest wage is increased by over 30% due to the raise, which also sets the minimum wage for tipped positions at $7.40 per hour.
The minimum wage in Michigan stands at $9.87 per hour, while tipped employees receive $3.75.
In a statement, Tribal Chairman Bob Peters expressed the Gun Lake Tribe’s acknowledgment of the exceptional circumstances and constantly evolving environment that all of their Team Members have faced in the past year. He commended their determination in overcoming each challenge while delivering exceptional service and ensuring a safe environment. On behalf of the Tribal Council and all Tribal Citizens, Chairman Peters extended a sincere thank you to the Gun Lake Casino team, stating that they are privileged to offer these well-deserved compensation increases.
The wage increase at Gun Lake will go into effect on June 1.
Furthermore, Gun Lake Casino unveiled a fresh employment incentive this July.
Gun Lake Casino is honoring both new and current team members with the chance to win a shiny new 2022 Nissan Kicks. The casino has revealed its plans to hold a drawing in December for all eligible team members who were hired by October 1, 2021, and have maintained a good standing by December 1, 2021.
Gun Lake hosting job fairs in West Michigan
Gun Lake Casino will be hosting two job fairs in West Michigan in order to establish connections with potential workers.
- On July 6th, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., the administrative parking lot of Gun Lake Casino located at 1123 129th Ave., Wayland will be available.
- On July 7th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Harvest Buffet at Gun Lake Casino located at 1123 129th Ave. in Wayland will be open for business.
In addition to providing free shift meals and three weeks of paid vacation, Gun Lake Casino also offers comprehensive health care, vision, and dental benefits.
The casino is currently looking to hire employees in various departments such as food and beverage, table games, slots, cage, operations, and security.
Gun Lake is eagerly anticipating the grand opening of its $100 million expansion, slated to occur by the end of the summer.
In the future, a resort will be added to the casino through a $300 million expansion.
Soaring Eagle, Saganing Eagles Landing also ups minimum wages to $15
Both the Soaring Eagle Casino in Mount Pleasant and Saganing Eagles Landing in Standish have increased their minimum wage to $15 an hour.
In late May, the sister casinos under the management of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe confirmed their plans, which will come into effect on June 7. Tipped workers will now receive a minimum hourly wage of $8.
As pandemic eases, employers need workers back
As the pandemic loosens its grip on the state, certain employers are striving towards ambitious goals to attract and bring back workers.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Michigan’s unemployment rate was at 5.1% in March, and the state’s COVID-19 numbers are showing improvement.
Many businesses still have job vacancies, partly due to the additional $300 in unemployment benefits provided by the federal government.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has faced pressure from State Republicans to renounce the additional benefits, with the aim of motivating unemployed individuals to return to work. However, she has remained steadfast in her resistance.
Tribal casinos are key MI economic drivers
The tribal casinos in various regions of the state stand as the major employers in their respective areas. Providing a glimpse into the past year, slot revenue witnessed a 20% decrease.
Last year, amidst the pandemic shutdowns, numerous tribal casinos in Michigan displayed exceptional commitment by ensuring their employees were fully compensated.
Currently, the casinos in Michigan are among the employers in search of expanding their workforce as they anticipate a return to normalcy this summer.
Other Michigan tribal casinos hosting job fairs
In addition to Gun Lake, several other tribal casinos in Michigan are also organizing job fairs to hire new staff.
- The FireKeepers Casino in Battle Creek is hosting a job fair on June 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. No prior experience is required, and there are various job openings in food and beverage, hotel, marketing, security, table games, slots, and more. Additionally, a sign-up bonus of $500 will be provided. The fair will take place at the casino’s events center.
- Until June 30, eligible positions at Four Winds Casinos’ three Southwest Michigan locations come with a sign-in bonus of $500. Below are additional details.
- On May 18th, at Little River Casino in Manistee, on-the-spot interviews will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Northern Waters Casino in Watersmeet is currently hiring for various positions, such as food and beverage, marketing, security, and cage cashier. Notably, we offer a $200 sign-on bonus along with a $2 per hour summer differential.
- The Ojibwa Casino in Baraga is currently hiring security officers, line cooks, and cage cashiers. For additional details, please visit our website.
- Join us at the Soaring Eagle in Mount Pleasant for our job fair every Thursday until June 3, from 2-6 p.m. We have exciting seasonal positions available, offering a competitive pay rate of $15 to $20 per hour. The job fair will take place in the Soaring Eagle ballrooms, and some positions even come with a sign-up bonus.
Evolution, Playtech live studios also hiring in Southfield
In Michigan, experienced dealers now have a fresh employment opportunity if they are tired of cigarette smoke, disruptive customers, or noisy casinos.
Several online operators for live casino games are partnering with Evolution and are currently hiring dealers and other casino personnel for their studios in Southfield. Playtech also has job openings in Southfield.
Available job positions in Southfield include facilities supervisor, office operations manager, floor operations supervisor, senior technical compliance specialist, regulatory compliance specialist, card inspector, and technicians.
Dealer positions include blackjack, poker, and roulette, offering a guaranteed hourly wage of $18. Additionally, dealers have the opportunity to earn unlimited tips, potentially increasing their earnings.
Job positions as a “shuffler” (dealer) are being promoted by Playtech at an hourly rate of $10-11.
