The Kewadin Casino – Hessel is located right next to Lake Huron near the Les Cheneaux Islands. It is one of several casinos in Michigan that is owned and operated by the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians. While the first casinos from the tribe opened in 1985 and 1987, the one in Hessel first opened its doors in 1994.
At Kewadin Casino – Hessel, the vibe is a friendly, hometown one, and the casino is found inside of a building that resembles a cabin. This fits in with the cabins the casino offers nearby where guests can spend a night or more for easy access to slot machines for gambling and dining at the deli restaurant.
Kewadin Casino – Hessel Fact Table
| Year opened | 1994 |
| Phone number | 906-484-2903 |
| Address | N 3 Mile Road, Hessel, MI 49745 |
| Number of slots | 120 |
| Table games? | No |
| Hotel? | Cabins available nearby |
| Minimum age to gamble | 19 |
Kewadin Casino – Hessel Online Gambling
The Kewadin Casino – Hessel now offers both retail and online sports betting options. The Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians partnered with GAN to offer WynnBet sports betting kiosks at all five Kewadin Casino properties, as well as online gaming platforms.
At the Hessel location, WynnBet sports betting kiosks can be found near the bar area on the casino premises. The WynnBet Sportsbook app officially launched in Michigan in late January 2021 and is now available for download. The casino portion of the app launched several months later.
New players who join the sportsbook can take advantage of a bet $10, win $200 welcome bonus offer. Online casino players can enjoy a 100% deposit match bonus of up to $1000 (with a 10x playthrough requirement) using the promo code SHARP.
History Of The Kewadin Casino – Hessel
In the 1980s, activist Native Americans worked to create areas of sovereignty in Michigan. Federal laws came into place, allowing tribal land to establish gaming casinos in states that allowed gambling. The tribes and states typically agreed to compacts for the sharing of revenue from the casinos.
The first casino constructed by the Sault Tribe was located in Sault Ste. Marie and is still the first and largest casino the tribe offers. It was opened in 1985 and was originally nothing more than a small blackjack house but has been expanded several times to offer all sorts of gambling options, including slots, poker, and other table games.
The next casino from the tribe was opened in St. Ignace in 1987, while the final three were all opened in 1994. The other two casinos opening that year are located in Manistique and Christmas, Michigan. All are smaller than the original casino but offer various gambling options throughout the state.
Up until 2008, the tribe also had a majority interest in the Greektown Casino Hotel, which is located in Detroit. This casino opened in 2000 and was one of three that was authorized for legalization as a way to bring revenue into Detroit. When the Great Recession of 2008 happened, the tribe had financial issues and file for bankruptcy protection. It sold its interest in the casino in 2010 and has been focusing on developing properties located in Upper Michigan.
The Kewadin Casino – Hessel is a place with over one hundred slot machines as well as a deli café that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This casino also has nearby cabin rentals year-round and offers a campground from May through October that is near all the trails in the area. Some of the other activities in the area, including snowmobiling, golfing, boating, and fishing.
Kewadin Casino – Hessel Loyalty Program
Each of the Kewadin Casinos uses the same loyalty program, which is known as the Northern Rewards Club. Everyone who is a part of the program can use their earned points and comp at casino restaurants and delis, gift shops, and hotels at locations that offer them.
There are many ways to use points through the system, including the following:
- Special promotion entries
- Entertainment ticket and merchandise discounts
- Free meals
- Exclusive comps and invitations
- Free hotel rooms
- Invitations to special events, dinners, and VIP parties
- Offers through mail for top tier users
- Free entertainment tickets for top tier users
While there are tier points to move from one level to another, there are also club points that are earned through playing slots, participating in video poker, and playing keno.
The cards you can use as part of the tier system include the Valor Card, which is for military, police, fire, and EMS workers, the Green Card for those with up to 4,999 points, the Silver Card for up to 7,499 points, the Gold Card for up to 34,999 points, and the Black Card that covers anyone with more points than that.
Kewadin Casino – Hessel FAQ
No. While there is not an attached hotel at the Kewadin Casino – Hessel, there are cabins across from the casino. They are fully furnished with a loft and bedrooms, a kitchenette, and a shower.
The Northern Nook is the only restaurant at the Kewadin Casino – Hessel. This restaurant features pub fare and offers an all-day breakfast menu. Some of the items on the menu include burgers, pizza, sandwiches, and chicken wings.
No. There is no designated poker room located at the Kewadin Casino – Hessel. This is the smallest of the Kewadin Casinos in Michigan, and the casino mainly offers slot machines for gaming, rather than table games or poker.
No. This is not a 24-hour casino. The Kewadin Casino – Hessel is typically open from 9 in the morning through 10 at night. The bar and grill at the casino offer the same hours, so you can also dine whenever the property is open.
Nineteen years old. While Michigan casinos can allow 18-year-olds inside, this only applies if no alcohol is served. Those who are 18 can also take part in charitable gambling, lotteries, and horse racing.