Michigan: Gun Lake Casino Completes $300 Million Expansion, Opens New ‘Oasis’ Pool

^{The new hotel tower at Gun Lake Casino should bring in more regional visitors while also making a statement for the local tribal community. (Rendering: courtesy of Gun Lake Casino)}

Gun Lake Casino in Wayland, Michigan, has completed a $300 million expansion effort designed to turn the facility into a destination resort.

The renovations include a 15-story hotel tower, a new spa and wellness retreat, and the Wawye Oasis pool area, which is located inside a glass dome atrium.

Gun Lake Casino Aiming to Attract More Travelers 

The casino, owned by the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi – also known as the Gun Lake Tribe – began its expansion efforts in 2022. In March 2025, the casino opened its new hotel to the public, a move that was designed to draw in visitors from outside the local area.

“Having the hotel will obviously expand our geographic reach, and to a certain extent, also enhance our demographic appeal,” Gun Like Tribe Chair and CEO Sal Semola told WZZM 13 when the hotel was set to open in March. “We expect Chicago will be a good market for us, Detroit as well.”

Those expansion efforts were completed when Gun Lake Casino announced the opening of the Wawye Oasis area on June 2. 

“This is the last piece,” former Tribal Chairman Bob Peters told News 8 in Michigan. “We’re now a destination resort. It’s been a lot of hard work, but it’s great to finally be at the grand opening.”

Peters added that this expansion shows the significance of tribal casino operators in their communities. 

“This is a win for Indian Country. We have 574 tribes across the United States, and every time we accomplish a project like this, it’s hope for everyone else and brings tribal communities to the forefront.,” Peters said. “It really emphasizes our sovereignty and where we’re going.”

New Pools ‘On Par’ with Vegas Resorts

The Wawye Oasis features two indoor pools that will remain at a water temperature of 80 degrees throughout the year. One pool is designated as family friendly, while the other is adults only and features a swim-up bar.

“This is on par with anything you’d find in Vegas,” Oasis manager Anthony Matire told reporters. “It’s an amazing space, super dynamic, open year-round and perfect for friends, families and date nights.”

The Gun Lake Tribe made the improvements to its casino to compete in a competitive gaming environment in Michigan. Along with a total of 23 tribal casinos in the state, there are also three commercial casinos in Detroit, about three hours east of Wayland.