At a time when thousands of gaming workers across the nation are being laid off and furloughed due to the impact of COVID-19, Gun Lake Casino in Wayland, Michigan distributed quarterly incentives totaling more than $611,000 to its employees in November.

Citing a recent press release, Native News Online reports that the casino, which is one of the largest employers in Allegan County, said the bonuses were “a token of gratitude for the essential role each employee has played in making Gun Lake Casino the best location to work for in West Michigan.”

Fruitful bonus program:

Since 2011, employees at the Michigan gaming property owned and operated by the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians (Gun Lake Tribe) have reportedly received in excess of $16.4 million via the bonus program.

In a statement, President and Chief Operating Officer for Gun Lake Casino, Sal Semola, said…

“Throughout these times our priority focus has been the health and safety of our guests and team members with our Play It Safe Initiative. We are exceptionally proud, especially during a pandemic, to continue providing a superior gaming experience despite the challenges in doing so. I extend a heartfelt thank you to our team members and the community for complying with our safety protocols and continuing to follow these measures diligently.

“The awarded bonuses are only one way we display our appreciation for the constant efforts of the hundreds of team members we employ. The achievements we have reached this year would not be possible without the foundation of our business – our team members,” added Semola.

Recent accolades:

Earlier in the year, the Allegan County casino was named one of “West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For”  by the National Association for Business Resources while also being chosen as the best casino by the Best of The West Revue Reader Poll and The Holland Sentinel’s Best of the Best.

Filling all positions:

Employing nearly 1,000 workers, the casino’s sustained growth has provided the local community with the promise of further employment opportunities. Meanwhile, a $100 million expansion project which commenced in October 2019, consisting of a 76,000 sq ft addition being added to the south end of the facility has seen the recent opening of Stage 131 Sportsbook and Lounge and the reopening of the Harvest Buffet and the creation of a variety of new jobs.

According to the source, positions are currently available in multiple departments for all levels of experience.

Semola added…

“The construction of our latest expansion has continued to move forward, which has created immediate career opportunities for West Michigan. I am proud to say that Gun Lake Casino strives to be a place of development and growth for our team members.”

2021 opening:

The expansion project at the nine-year-old casino is expected to open in summer 2021 and also includes an additional 450 slot machines, 12 table games, and a larger non-smoking area, two upscale restaurants and more.