Whitney Gravelle, President
Bay Mills Indian Community
Bay Mills Resort & Casino – Brimley, MI
baymillscasinos.com / baymills.org
BENEFITS OF GAMING: The Bay Mills Indian Community has greatly benefited from gaming revenues, using them as a crucial tool for community and economic development. As the first Native American tribal nation in the United States to operate a gaming facility featuring slots and blackjack instead of just bingo, Bay Mills has been a pioneer in tribal gaming. When the Kings Club Casino opened in July 1984, it marked a significant step forward in securing economic independence for the community. The 7,500 sq. ft. casino, which included a café and billiard tables, became a foundational revenue source for the tribe.
Revenue from gaming has allowed the Bay Mills Indian Community to fund a variety of essential services, including healthcare, education, infrastructure development, and cultural preservation programs. The community also utilizes these funds to support economic diversification efforts, aiming to create sustainable development opportunities that go beyond gaming. This includes creating jobs for both tribal members and non-tribal residents, thereby strengthening the local economy and fostering greater community cohesion.
GOALS & INITIATIVES: One of the Bay Mills Indian Community’s current and most ambitious initiatives is the $100 million expansion of the Bay Mills Resort & Casino, which began after receiving overwhelming support from our General Tribal Council in September 2022. This project represents a strategic investment in transforming Bay Mills Resort & Casino into a premier destination in the Eastern Upper Peninsula. The expansion, expected to be completed by the fall of 2025, will nearly double the existing number of rooms with the addition of 134 new units, each featuring balconies that offer stunning waterfront views.
New amenities will include a pool with a splash pad, hot tubs, a spa with massage therapy rooms, a fitness center, a nail salon, conference space, an arcade, storefronts, and a deli. Outdoor improvements will include new patios, gazebos, gardens, fishing piers, a boardwalk along the waterfront, and an updated marina. These upgrades are designed to attract more visitors and enhance the guest experience, further solidifying the community’s vision of “Destination Bay Mills.”
The project was born from the desire to “do more and be more.” The aim is to elevate not only our tribal nation’s economic prospects, but also the quality of life for our tribal citizens and the surrounding region. The expansion will create new job opportunities and provide long-term benefits by enhancing the tribe’s financial stability and ability to invest in future endeavors.
LEGISLATIVE: The Bay Mills Indian Community, like many other tribes, faces several legislative, judicial, and political challenges that impact its sovereignty, economic development, and overall well-being. Key concerns often center around preserving and asserting tribal sovereignty, especially in matters related to gaming compacts, land rights, and the ability to self-govern without undue interference from state or federal entities.
The tribe is also vigilant about issues related to treaty rights, environmental protection, and resource management, as these directly affect our land, water, and cultural heritage. For example, legislative changes in gaming laws or environmental regulations can have profound effects on tribal enterprises and their ability to generate revenue for critical community services. The Bay Mills Indian Community must continuously advocate for its rights and interests in these areas, seeking fair and equitable treatment under the law.
Furthermore, our tribal nation is concerned with broader political issues that affect funding and support for essential services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. This includes advocating for more significant federal funding, better healthcare services for Native Americans, and addressing social issues such as substance abuse and mental health disparities.
Bay Mills Indian Community believes that we must “lift as you climb,” a philosophy that reflects our goal of uplifting our community and its members while advancing economic growth. This forward-looking approach is essential for navigating and overcoming legislative and political challenges while ensuring the long-term prosperity and self-determination of the Bay Mills Indian Community.