November 6 2024.
Kewadin Casinos Will Become Non-Smoking Effective November 11, 2024.
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. — As resolved by the Sault Tribe Board of Directors at its meeting on September 17, 2024 and supported by Kewadin Casinos Executive Management team, Kewadin Casinos will become non-smoking within all five of its locations. The move to non-smoking will be effective November 11, 2024.
As previously stated by Allen Kerridge, CEO of Kewadin Casinos; “This policy change aligns with our mission to create the very best experience possible for all our guests. We’ve heard from many customers and Team Members who feel a smoke-free environment is the right step forward. We’re excited to meet their needs and provide an even more welcoming atmosphere at all our properties.”All Kewadin Casinos locations will provide a designated outdoor area with seating for smokers as well as easy access to step outside as needed.
Renovations and sanitation will begin soon to complete the transition to non-smoking and will include carpet and tile replacement, painting, HVAC and duct cleaning.
Located in one of the most scenic regions of North America, Kewadin Casinos currently offers over 2,000 slot machines, 26 table games, hotels, dining, and other amenities at five properties in Michigan’s eastern and central Upper Peninsula.
Owned and operated by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Kewadin Casinos work to be the premier gaming destinations for people who live in and visit the Upper Peninsula, which is bordered on the south by Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, on the west by Wisconsin, and on the north by Lake Superior and Canada.
Editorial Comments:
The non-smoking policy is one of the changes that we have advocated for years. We are glad to see the board do the right thing. The next needed change is to raise the age of the staff and customers allowed in the casino from 18 years old to 21 to protect our children from predators and gaming addictions along with an accountability plan to compensate those employees that were harmed as a result of years of breathing second hand smoke for the benefit of the tribe's government and a plan to pay a percentage of gross earnings from the casinos and hotels to the Elders Fund.