The Pokagon Gaming Authority announced Monday that it is planning to reopen four casino properties located across Indiana and Michigan.

In contact with Pokagon Health Task Force

The Pokagon Gaming Authority is working closely with the Four Winds Casinos Operations Team to reopen the property. They are also in touch with the Pokagon Health Task Force and the Pokagon Gaming Commission to develop a plan for reopening business. The plan to reopen the casino on June 15 is contingent upon the Pokagon Gaming Commission’s approval, which is due to meet on June 8. It would then have to wait for a notification to the National Indian Gaming Commission.

Pokagon Gaming Authority CEO and Tribal Council Chairman Matthew Wesaw noted,

“We’ve been closely monitoring the data related to the spread of COVID-19, consulting with medical experts, and evaluating the potential impact the virus could have on our community and employees.”

Though it is a sovereign nation, the leaders of Pokagon voluntarily followed the recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control in Michigan and Indiana. The nation shut down its casinos due to the coronavirus pandemic. Matthew Wesaw noted that the reopening date could change if there is a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases. However, the nation is closely monitoring the situation and working to restart business at its properties.

Four locations aim to reopen

The Four Winds Casino has four locations- one in South Bend, Indiana, and three others in Michigan- Hartford, Dowagiac, and New Buffalo. All properties have been closed since March 17 to ensure the safety and health of their employees. Since then, about 1,500 employees of the casinos are in temporary furlough.

Battle Creek-based FireKeepers Casino reopened on June 1. Other businesses in the area have also started opening up. Four Winds Casinos CEO Frank Freed said that they have already started recalling employees who were previously furloughed. He added that they are planning to share the details of the reopening plan once relevant authorities approve them.