In contrast, Indiana’s 13 state-regulated casinos, operated by private companies, paid 27 percent in state and local taxes on gambling profits in 2017. But under the compact the tribe has to pay 8 percent of its slot revenues to Michigan. The tribe has a compact with Michigan, allowing table games at Four Winds New Buffalo, Dowagiac and Hartford. The band also committed to paying $5 million over three years to community programs. But the tribe will pay 2 percent of its profits to the city of South Bend under a local agreement.

The state will not receive state taxes from the new Four Winds South Bend because it’s owned by a federally recognized Indian tribe that does not have a compact with the state of Indiana. Live blackjack and roulette will not be offered since the tribe has not negotiated a compact with Indiana. The 175,000 square foot Four Winds South Bend offers 1,800 slot machines and electronic games, four restaurants, players lounge, coffee shop, three bars, retail outlet and 4,500 parking spaces including an enclosed parking structure. The decision restored the Pokagon Band’s ancestral homeland in Indiana.Ĭhairman John Warren said the tribe’s casinos help provide the 5,000-member tribe with health care, housing and education programs, and created 1,200 new jobs in South Bend.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the Pokagon Band’s application to take into trust 166-acres of tribal land in South Bend in 2016.

This event is more than celebrating the opening of the Four Winds South Bend Casino it will be another great testament to the success of Indian gaming and all that it will bring to tribal communities.” said, “I congratulate the Pokagon Band on this historic grand opening event. National Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr.

We’re proud to cut this ribbon today for the first tribal casino in the state of Indiana and the fourth Four Winds property.” This ribbon cutting signifies the work of hundreds of people over the course of the past 13 months. Frank Freedman, chief operating officer at Four Winds Casinos, said, “This is an incredibly exciting time for all of us. It’s the fourth Four Winds Casino-the other three are located in Michigan-and the first tribal casino in Indiana. The new Four Winds Casino South Bend in Indiana, owned by the Dowagiac, Michigan-based Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, opened January 16 in a ceremony featuring tribal drumming, presentation of flags and a ribbon cutting.

South bend four winds casino opening