Northern Waters Casino Resort Review

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Northern Waters Casino Resort Review

Located in Watersmeet, MI, amidst the Ottawa National Forest, Northern Waters Casino Resort stands as a tribal casino and hotel nestled in the serene north woods of the Upper Peninsula.

The ownership and operation of the property is under the responsibility of the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians.

Originally known as the Lac Vieux Desert Resort Casino, this establishment first welcomed guests in 1996. However, in 2017, extensive renovations were undertaken to enhance the casino and hotel facilities, which also involved the introduction of a new dining venue and a sports bar. Consequently, a rebranding initiative was implemented, resulting in the current name.

On the premises, there is a spacious casino spanning 25,000 square feet that offers a variety of entertainment options including 650 slot machines, blackjack, craps, roulette, and bingo. Additionally, Northern Waters boasts a 132-room hotel, a restaurant, a snack bar, an indoor pool, a spa, a sports bar, and facilities for banquets and meetings. Furthermore, guests can enjoy playing a round of golf at the 18-hole Lac Vieux Desert Golf Course conveniently located on-site.

The Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa entered into an agreement with PointsBet, a US online sportsbook operator, in January 2020. Under this agreement, various online gambling options will be available at Northern Waters in Michigan. These options include a retail sportsbook on the premises, as well as online and mobile sports betting and online casino offerings.

Northern Waters Casino Resort

  • The address is N5384 US-45, Watersmeet, MI 49969.
  • The Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians is the owner.
  • The Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians operates under the name “Operator.”
  • Online Sportsbook: PointsBet Sportsbook
  • Online Casino: PointsBet Casino
  • Online Poker: None
  • Hours: 24/7
  • We offer a wide variety of casino games, including over 500 slots as well as blackjack, craps, and roulette.
  • Sportsbook: TBA
  • Poker: No 
  • Legal Gambling Age: 18+

Northern Waters online gambling partnership

PointsBet Sportsbook signed an exclusive agreement with the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians in early 2020. This agreement allows them to offer online sports betting and online casino operations through Northern Waters Casino Resort.

The facility in Michigan is owned and operated by the tribe.

In January 2021, the Australian bookmaker commenced its online sports betting operations in the US. Following this, in May of the same year, the company made its initial entry into the US online casino market.

Additionally, there are ongoing discussions between PointsBet and the tribe concerning the establishment of a physical sportsbook at Northern Waters. This entails PointsBet paying market access fees and sharing a percentage of the net gaming revenues with the tribe. Furthermore, PointsBet will assume the responsibility for all licensing and regulatory expenses.

The casino at Northern Waters Casino Resort

The casino at Northern Waters Casino Resort spans over 25,000 square feet and operates around the clock. However, live table games are available from 3 p.m. to midnight exclusively.

The establishment boasts an extensive collection of over 500 slot machines and video poker games, along with a variety of electronic and live table games, as well as a thrilling bingo experience.

In addition, there is a satisfactory variety of slot games that offer progressive jackpots, along with the most sought-after table games and a weekly bingo event.

In addition to its array of promotions, the casino at Northern Waters also hosts various promotional events.

  • Young at Heart: Every Tuesday and Thursday, individuals aged 55 years or older are entitled to $10 worth of complimentary play and a 50% discount on any one item from the menu.
  • Obtain Buffet Rewards: Unlock complimentary homestyle comfort food from the buffet by accumulating 20 points within the same day.
  • On Fridays from 5-10 p.m., ten lucky winners will be awarded $50 in free play during the Flirty Free Play Hot Seats event.
  • Participate in our Earn and Get Plush Giveaway: Simply accumulate 50 same-day points on specific dates to have a chance of winning up to $100 in free play.
  • Participate in the Catch a Dream Kiosk Game and have a chance to win up to $100 in free play! Simply accumulate 50 points on Sundays to qualify.
  • Earn 9 points on your Superior Club card when you purchase a minimum of eight gallons of gas. Additionally, enjoy $10 worth of free play.
  • Commemorate Your Birthday: Visit us throughout your birth month to enjoy a bonus of $10 in complimentary play.

Slots

The Northern Waters Casino Resort offers a wide selection of 509 video and reel slots, which encompasses video poker and video keno options. These slots come with various denominations ranging from as low as 1 cent to $10.

Included in the lineup are slots, video poker, and electronic casino games.

  • 339 penny slots
  • 98 multi-denomination and multi-games
  • 52 video poker variations
  • Six virtual craps variations
  • Six virtual roulette variations
  • Five virtual blackjack variations
  • Four $5 slots
  • Four quarter slots
  • Three nickel slots
  • Three 2 cent slots
  • Two $1 slots

Northern Waters offers a selection of classic wide area and progressive slot machines.

  • A Mega Tower Wheel of Fortune costing $1.
  • Birds of Pay
  • Buffalo Gold
  • Buffalo Grand
  • Chun Jie Lion Dance
  • Dragon Flies
  • Dancing Foo
  • Dragons Grand
  • Dragon Link
  • Hawaiian Fishing
  • Lightning Link
  • Lock it Link
  • Mistress of Egypt
  • Oceans of Beauty
  • The cost is correct: $1.
  • Sarab Grand
  • Sizzling Phoenix
  • Tiger Roars
  • Virtual blackjack
  • Cash Link/ Wheel of Fortune 4D
  • Wild Americoins
  • Wild Captain Coins
  • Wild Fiesta Coins
  • Wild Lepricoins

Table games

Northern Waters offers a wide range of live table games from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m., seven days a week, including virtual blackjack, craps, and roulette machines.

  • Blackjack shoe: One table
  • Blackjack pitch: One table
  • Three-card poker: One table
  • On Sundays to Thursdays, the maximum bet for six-deck blackjack is set at $2 to $100.
  • From Sundays to Thursdays, the pitch limit for a two-deck game is set between $3 and $100.

Bingo

Every Monday and on specific holidays, Northern Waters Casino Resort organizes and hosts bingo with $15 packs, early bird, and regular sessions.

Superior Club

Northern Waters Casino offers a loyalty program known as the Superior Club. The membership is absolutely free, and as soon as individuals become members, they start accumulating rewards.

By participating in cash and prize giveaways, along with other promotions, you have the opportunity to qualify. Accumulate points by utilizing the card, and subsequently exchange these points for complimentary casino play at the slot machines located on the main casino floor.

On the main casino floor, you have the opportunity to earn free play by accumulating points. For every 100 points you earn, you can exchange it for $1 in casino free play. You can enjoy this free play on designated slot machines. It’s important to note that the maximum amount of free play you can receive per day is $300.

Additionally, you will receive exclusive mail offers and be invited to attend special events.

New members of the Superior Club can swipe at the kiosk on their sign-up day to participate in the prize wheel game and have the opportunity to win $100 in free play.

Northern Waters Casino Resort sportsbook

PointsBet, the online sportsbook operator, has entered into an agreement to deliver online sportsbook and online casino services at Northern Waters Casino Resort.

Continued exclusive negotiations are taking place between PointsBet and the tribe, with regards to operating a retail sportsbook at the Northern Waters Casino Resort. This move is intended to enhance the existing online offerings.

The current Northern Waters Sports Bar on the premises could serve as the ideal venue for the venture. It boasts a total of 15 HDTVs for optimal game watching, a menu of delectable bar bites, a wide selection of craft, domestic, imported, and seasonal beers, as well as a range of spirits from high-end to mid-tier, including a signature bloody mary and specialty wines. Additionally, patrons can enjoy various recreational activities such as pool tables and darts.

The only things absent are an odds board, betting windows, and self-service betting kiosks.

Northern Waters Casino Resort amenities

Dancing Eagles Hotel

The luxurious Dancing Eagles Hotel, with its 132 rooms, is nestled in the scenic Northern Waters region. Guests can enjoy direct access to the casino from the hotel.

The suits at Dancing Eagles offer fireplaces and whirlpools for private use.

In addition to that, the hotel features an indoor pool, sauna, and whirlpool, all of which are heated. Furthermore, guests can take advantage of various on-site amenities such as a gift shop, convenience mart, gas station, and RV parking equipped with electrical and water hookups.

Packages are offered for hotel stays and casino play.

Lac Vieux Desert Golf Course

The seasonal Lac Vieux Desert Golf Course can be found in Northern Waters as well.

Located just a few steps away from the casino, the Ottawa National Forest course spans over 200 acres and offers an impressive 18-hole experience.

The bluegrass fairways are meticulously trimmed to a little over half an inch, providing a challenging play towards the well-maintained greens. These greens are enclosed by rough areas that demand both skill and discipline.

There is a clubhouse and pro shop available on the premises, both of which are licensed.

Dining and entertainment

Northern Waters Casino Resort offers a plethora of dining options and an array of entertainment choices for guests to enjoy.

  • Introducing the Sugar Bush Restaurant: Immerse yourself in the charm of the north-woods at our uniquely themed dining establishment. Our restaurant offers a diverse range of menus, buffets, and nightly specials, all thoughtfully curated with an emphasis on supporting local providers and regional purveyors.
  • The Northern Waters Sports Bar offers a range of amenities to enhance your experience. Enjoy the latest sports action on our 15 state-of-the-art TVs, indulge in delicious food and drinks from our menu, and challenge your friends to a game of pool or darts. Additionally, we provide live entertainment and host exciting events every week.
  • Experience fast and friendly service at Northern Waters Cafe, where you can enjoy a quick-service menu that includes Starbucks coffee. Indulge in a variety of options such as grinders, sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and delectable soft-serve ice cream.

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Northern Waters Casino Resort history

The Lac Vieux Desert Resort Casino was established in 1996 and later rebranded as the Northern Waters Casino Resort.

The Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa celebrated the property’s 21st birthday in 2017 by giving it a rejuvenating makeover.

The casino and hotel rooms were renovated by the tribe, who also introduced a fresh restaurant and sports bar, alongside a name change.

Originally, the casino boasted a traditional Las Vegas motif, featuring vibrant neon shades of red and yellow. However, during the reconstruction, a more welcoming and cozy atmosphere was established. The new design incorporates earthy tones and incorporates culturally significant local elements inspired by the surrounding woodlands.

The Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Indians fully repaid the initial $30 million loan in 2019 that was acquired in 1995 to fund the development of Lac Vieux Desert Northern Waters Casino Resort.

With an impressive expanse of 25,000 square feet, the Lac Vieux Desert Northern Waters Casino Resort provides an extensive gaming area, featuring a diverse selection of over 500 slot machines, table games, and bingo options.

The establishment features a total of 132 hotel rooms and suites, a dining room offering buffet options, a snack bar, an indoor pool and spa, a sports bar, and to top it off, the renowned Lac Vieux Desert Golf Course.

Northern Waters signed an agreement with PointsBet in January, marking the start of their online sports betting and online casino offerings in 2021. Additionally, they are currently developing a retail sportsbook at the casino.