Ojibwa Casinos in Marquette and Baraga
The Ojibwa casino resorts are two tribal casino locations in Northern Michigan. They are owned and operated by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. There are two locations, one in Baraga and the other in Marquette. They are mid-sized venues, each featuring hundreds of slots plus a small selection of table games. The first of the casinos opened in 1985 in Baraga.
In total there are more than 800 slots across the two sites, with a range of denominations and progressive jackpots. Table games available at the two casinos include blackjack, Let It Ride, roulette and more. A recent partnership with Golden Nugget will see sports betting come to the casinos and allow for online gambling and sports betting across Michigan.
This page covers all you need to know to get the best from a trip to either of the Ojibwa casinos in Michigan. Slots, table games and sports betting are all covered below. You will also find information on the rewards and promotions for players at these casinos — plus the dining and entertainment options available.
History of the Ojibwa casinos
The Ojibwa casinos hold an important place in the history of tribal gambling nationwide. In 1982, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community was the first in the US to receive a casino permit, the permit being awarded to Fred Dakota.
Three years later the first casino appeared, with just a few blackjack tables, to get the ball rolling. This first casino in Baraga was originally just a bowling alley and has grown significantly since (although the bowling alley is still in place). The Marquette site followed and has now overtaken the casino in Baraga in terms of size and facilities.
Slots at Ojibwa Casinos
At Ojibwa Casino Baraga, MI you will find more than 340 slots. The format (reel and video slots) and range of denominations is varied. Penny slots and games with denominations up to $5 a line are available.
Many of the games have linked progressive jackpots, with the popular Dragon Link and Lightning Link games just two examples. A range of Quick Hit games is available, where you trigger instant wins the moment you land a series of the unique logo symbols on the reels. Other featured games include Fortune Coin, which gives you a shot at winning four progressive jackpots.
At the Ojibwa Casino Marquette, you can enjoy more than 500 slots. Classics such as Cleopatra Gold are there, as well as the popular Buffalo slots range from Aristocrat. Dragon Spin is a must play Asian-themed slot at Marquette. This game includes unique bonus features and stunning special effects. You will find many popular games from the big-name studios at this venue. They include the best slot from Konami, IGT, WMS, Aristocrat, and Bally.
Table games
There is a limited range of table games available across the two Ojibwa casinos. The selection is focused on the most popular formats. Note that table games have limited hours.
At Ojibwa Casino Baraga, you can enjoy blackjack games (two deck pitch) with limits ranging from as low as $5 all the way up to $200. Let It Ride is available from Sunday to Thursday with a $3 minimum and Friday and Saturday with a $5 minimum (the maximum stake is $25 at all times).
If you head over to Ojibwa Casino Marquette, you can enjoy both two deck pitch and six deck blackjack, with minimum and maximum limits of $5 and $300. You can play Let It Ride at limits of between $3 and $25 with a three-card bonus side bet that will pay 1,000 to 1 for a royal flush. You can also play roulette at the Marquette casino.
Poker rooms at Ojibwa casinos
Poker is available at both of the Ojibwa casinos; however due to the limited number of tables, you can play only poker cash games (there is not the capacity or player numbers needed to host tournaments). In Marquette you can play poker from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Sports betting with Golden Nugget
The casinos have announced a partnership with Golden Nugget for their online options, though any plans for retail sportsbooks at the two venues have yet to be announced. With the steady expansion of gambling and resort options over the years, we could soon be seeing plans for retail sportsbooks.
Online gambling options
With the announcement linking Golden Nugget and Ojibwa casinos, Golden Nugget will supply both an online sportsbook and online casino gambling.
Gamblers in Michigan will now be able to enjoy the famed “Golden Lines” and “Parlay Boosts” offered by Golden Nugget. To gamble online in Michigan, you must be at least 21 years old. You must also be within state lines. At the time of writing, the apps and website options are not live.
Ojibwa Casinos loyalty and rewards program
The first time you play at either of the two casino sites, you will have the opportunity to join the Rewards Club. Every time you play, you will earn reward points that you can use to buy merchandise or for special offers. Head to the Rewards Club and you can use your points toward T-shirts, hats, coffee mugs and more.
You can also use your points for promotions such as bonus plays at the casino or gas vouchers or food vouchers to be used at the Baraga location.
Reward days are popular at the two casino sites, with the following promotions in place:
- Seniors’ Day: Guests who are 55 or older can earn up to a $30 bonus play any time they visit the casino on a Monday. Earn just five points for the first $10 bonus play. Seniors can also enjoy a free lunch and a slot tournament on a Monday.
- Men’s Day: Any man who heads to the casino on a Wednesday can enjoy one free drink during select hours. Play your favorite slots and you’ll have a shot at up to a $30 bonus play.
- Ladies’ Day: There is one free drink for any woman who heads to the casino at select hours on Thursday. All female players will have a shot at earning up to $30 in bonus play.
Ojibwa Casino Hotel Baraga
You can enjoy a hotel stay at the Ojibwa Casino Hotel Baraga in Michigan. The hotel plays host to 40 units, including two Jacuzzi suites. The hotel is 100% smoke-free, and free wireless internet is available. The site offers an indoor pool with a whirlpool and sauna, and you can also enjoy the banquet and convention facilities. Rewards club discounts are available, as are government rates. Eat at Lucky 7’s or head to the Press Box for a drink.
There is also an RV park available at the Baraga site. You will have access to water, electricity, Wi-Fi, paved pads and picnic tables. Head to the Ojibwa casinos’ website for a full list of all of the local hotels where a free shuttle service can take you to and from the casino.
Dining options
If you head to the Baraga location, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at Lucky 7’s, where the food is described as traditional American fare. Alternatives include the Press Box Bar and Grill, where you can enjoy a drink while you eat. Here you will find big screen TVs, the original bowling alley that the casino was built around, and a dance floor.
Heading to Ojibwa Casino Marquette, MI, the main dining option is MQT’s. Here you can enjoy breakfasts such as a chorizo breakfast burrito or pancakes. For a main meal, various wraps are available, as well as loaded Philly cheesesteaks, burgers, hot dogs and much more. Take advantage of the Friday fish fry basket for just $10. You can also head to the Marquette Tavern for a drink and refreshments.
Entertainment
A recent addition to the Marquette site has been an event center. This center, named the Ojibwa Casino Concert Hall, can hold up to 1,200 people and will host concerts and events.
There are also opportunities to host events such as weddings and company meetings. The Baraga Conference Rooms: Chippewa 1 and 2 can accommodate between 10 and 80 guests and can host birthdays, anniversaries, graduation parties, company meetings or family reunions.
How do the Ojibwa casinos compare?
The two Ojibwa casinos may not be the largest casinos in Michigan, but they offer all of the gambling opportunities you need. With a wide range of slots across the two sites, there are plenty of winning opportunities. Players regularly leave the casino with five-figure payouts, ensuring a memorable visit. Table games feature too, with blackjack, Let It Ride and roulette all popular — though only available at peak times.
With the new entertainment center and the various eateries across the two sites, the Ojibwa casinos are transitioning from standalone casinos into resorts. The rewards club and the various promotions ensure that the more you play, the more you are rewarded.