Four Winds Casinos, owned by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, operates properties in Michigan and Indiana. The flagship Four Winds New Buffalo, along with Hartford, Dowagiac, and South Bend locations, offer diverse gaming, dining, and entertainment options.
The Four Winds Casinos are a collection of casinos owned and operated by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. These casinos are spread across two U.S. states: Michigan and Indiana. Established under the provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), these casinos have become a significant part of the Pokagon Band’s efforts to generate revenue for tribal development.
The flagship property, Four Winds New Buffalo, is located in New Buffalo Township, Michigan. It was opened on August 2, 2007, following an agreement between the Pokagon Band and the state of Michigan. The agreement was formalised under a compact that allowed the band to establish and operate casinos on tribal land.
Over the years, the Pokagon Band expanded its operations to include additional satellite properties:
- Four Winds Hartford opened on August 30, 2011, offering a smaller gaming experience tailored to the local community.
- Four Winds Dowagiac, another satellite location, was inaugurated on April 30, 2013.
The original compact between the Pokagon Band and Michigan limited the tribe to three casinos within the state. However, the band extended its operations beyond Michigan by establishing a fourth casino in South Bend, Indiana, under specific provisions of the IGRA.
The South Bend casino, opened on January 16, 2018, became the first tribal casino in Indiana. This property includes a hotel, expanded gaming floors, and other facilities. The South Bend location was further expanded in 2022 to feature a 98,000-square-foot gaming floor with 1,900 slot machines, making it the largest such facility in Indiana. Its hotel component began operations on March 1, 2023, offering additional accommodation options for visitors.
Different properties of Four Winds Casinos
The Four Winds Casinos portfolio consists of the following properties:
| Name | Location | Opened | Key Features |
| Four Winds New Buffalo | New Buffalo Township, MI | August 2, 2007 | Flagship property; largest gaming floor in Michigan. |
| Four Winds Hartford | Hartford, MI | August 30, 2011 | Community-focused gaming and dining options. |
| Four Winds Dowagiac | Dowagiac, MI | April 30, 2013 | Smaller venue with select amenities. |
| Four Winds South Bend | South Bend, IN | January 16, 2018 | Expanded in 2022; includes a hotel opened in 2023. |
Facilities, services and accommodation at Four Winds Casinos
- Casino gaming and sportsbook
The gaming floors at Four Winds Casinos feature a wide array of slot machines, table games, and dedicated areas for poker. The South Bend location also offers a sportsbook, catering to the growing interest in sports betting.
The flagship Four Winds New Buffalo features a Four Diamond hotel, offering a blend of comfort and convenience. The South Bend location followed suit with its hotel opening in 2023, providing additional options for overnight stays.
- Dining options
Across its properties, Four Winds Casinos offer diverse dining experiences. Key establishments include:
- Copper Rock Steakhouse, known for premium cuts of meat and seafood.
- Kankakee Grille, offering comfort food with a modern touch.
- The Buffet, featuring a variety of international cuisines.
- Timbers Fast Food & Deli, catering to quick-service needs.
- White Birch Market, a café offering coffee and light snacks.
- Event Spaces
The casinos also feature facilities for weddings, conferences, and other events. The Silver Creek Event Center at New Buffalo hosts live entertainment and headline performances, attracting audiences from the surrounding regions.
Cultural and economic impact
The development of the Four Winds Casinos has significantly contributed to the economic growth of the Pokagon Band. Revenue generated from these establishments supports housing, healthcare, education, and other tribal services. The South Bend casino, in particular, includes a broader tribal village development, encompassing housing, healthcare facilities, and government offices.
In addition to its impact on the Pokagon Band, the casinos have provided employment opportunities in the local communities of Michigan and Indiana. These establishments also contribute to regional tourism by drawing visitors from neighbouring areas.
Marketing and branding
The Four Winds Casinos utilise a loyalty programme, the W♣ Players Club, often referred to as the W Club. This programme rewards frequent visitors with various benefits, including discounts, free play, and exclusive offers.
The casinos have also engaged in strategic partnerships to enhance their visibility. For instance, in 2013, a naming rights agreement was signed for Four Winds Field at Coveleski Stadium, a minor league baseball venue in South Bend.
Final thoughts
The Four Winds Casinos exemplify the effective use of tribal gaming operations to drive economic development and cultural sustainability. With four distinct locations offering a range of gaming, dining, and entertainment options, the casinos cater to diverse audiences while supporting the broader goals of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians.
The casinos’ continued expansion, including the recent upgrades to the South Bend property, reflects a commitment to growth and innovation. As a result, Four Winds Casinos remain a vital part of the tribal and regional economy in the Midwest.
Himani Verma is a seasoned content writer and SEO expert, with experience in digital media. She has held various senior writing positions at enterprises like CloudTDMS (Synthetic Data Factory), Barrownz Group, and ATZA. Himani has also been Editorial Writer at Hindustan Time, a leading Indian English language news platform. She excels in content creation, proofreading, and editing, ensuring that every piece is polished and impactful. Her expertise in crafting SEO-friendly content for multiple verticals of businesses, including technology, healthcare, finance, sports, innovation, and more.
