Summary
- The previous minimum age requirement was 19.
- The age-limit change goes into effect March 30, 2022.
- Officials say the change will allow the venues to be more competitive with other casinos.
A major change is coming to five Kewadin Casinos in Michigan. The Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians decided to change the minimum age requirement for its properties, allowing players to be 18 years of age or older to participate. In the past, the limit was 19. The tribe has the ability to change the age limit at any time based on its agreement with the state.
Details of the Age Limit Change
The last time the age limit was lowered at the venues was back in 2006, when the change was made to 19. At the time, additional procedures were put in place to prevent underage drinking and gaming. The same procedures are now in place for the 18 and older crowd.
Each casino location has a podium at the entrance. Customer’s identification is checked and anyone under 21 is verified and the security team tracks the individuals throughout the property. Servers and bartenders are trained to be able to identify and prevent underage drinking from taking place.
Kewadin Casinos Chief Executive Officer Allen Kerridge commented on the change, stating that the decision was made to allow legal adults to access the Kewadin gaming properties. Several tribal casinos in Michigan have lowered the age limit, so this change makes the venues more competitive.
Online Age Limit Remains at 21
While the land-based age limit can be changed by the tribe at any time, the online age limit cannot. In Michigan, online gambling is controlled and regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. The state offers both casino gaming and sports betting online.
Players must be 21 years of age or older to take part. Even though the Kewadin casinos now allow 18-year old’s, online gambling is still restricted to 21 and up. This will not change due to state gaming regulations.
Visitors to any Kewadin Casino property in Michigan can now enter the gaming facility if they are 18 or older. The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians owns casinos in Hessel, Christmas, Sault Ste Marie, Manistique and St. Ignace.
Visitors to the Upper Peninsula as well as residents have easy access to these venues. The casinos offer thousands of slot machines along with table games. Players can enjoy overnight stays via the hotel venues located on the properties.
It will be interesting to see if the age limit change results in higher earnings for the tribe, as more people are allowed to access the venues.
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