Located in Watersmeet, Michigan on the state’s Upper Peninsula, the Northern Waters Casino Resort provides Vegas-style gaming and entertainment. This spacious resort offers over 130 rooms in an attached hotel, over 500 slots, three live games tables, and an 18-hole golf course.
The unassuming tan and white lodge-style resort is surrounded on all sides by miles of dark green, coniferous forest. Inside it is decorated in a mix of neon lights and rustic accents. For instance, a stuffed wolf stands atop a stone centerpiece in front of the Sugar Bush Restaurant. The resort also has a sports bar and food court cafe where players can find grab-and-go meals during their breaks from the slots.
Northern Waters Casino Resort Fact Table
| Year Opened | 1996 | |||
| Phone Number | 1-906-358-4226 | |||
| Address | N5384 US 45 Watersmeet, Michigan 49969 |
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| Hotel | Yes | |||
| Minimum Gambling Age | 18 years old | |||
| Number of Slots | 500+ | |||
| Table Games? | 3 |
Online Betting Now Available
By the time January 2025 arrived, the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians reached an agreement with PointsBet to offer online gambling and sports betting through their Northern Waters Casino. The two groups also negotiated a pact to include retail sports betting inside the casino. They made significant strides together.
In its existing structure, the online gaming contract is set to last for 20 years with options for renewal for an additional span of five years. PointsBet also decided to pay the Lac Vieux tribe online gaming access fees and a share of their net gaming proceeds from the Northern Waters branded online casino.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) dedicated the rest of 2025 to devising regulations and licenses for online gambling, sports betting, and daily fantasy athletics. Eventually, online gambling finally launched in Michigan in late January 2025. There was excitement all around.
The PointsBet Sportsbook opened on January 22, 2025 as a participant in the first wave of ten sportsbooks to enter the Michigan marketplace. New participants who download the app can receive a massive welcome gift that includes 2 risk-free bets valued at up to $2000 in total with the promo keyword BESTOFFER.
The internet casino app went live in May 2025. It provides a deposit incentive of up to $250 in complementary wagers as the welcome gift for new members. Early adopters are thrilled.
Northern Waters Casino History
In 1995, the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians took out a $30 million dollar loan to finance the construction of a hotel and resort for the tribe. Construction completed within a short period and the Lac Vieux Desert Resort Casino opened in 1996.
In 1998, the Lac Vieux tribe also built a 9-hole golf course right next door to the casino. In 2008, an additional 9-holes were added to the course. Known as the Lac Vieux Desert Golf Course, it sprawls over 200-acres of land in the Ottawa National Forest.
Later in 2017, the casino was renamed the Northern Waters Casino Resort after renovations to the hotel and casino, and the opening of their restaurant, cafe, and bar.
Northern Waters offers over 25,000 sq. ft. of entertainment for players and guests, including slot machines, video poker, and live table games like:
- Poker
- Blackjack
Northern Waters Casino is known for progressive slots that can get quite high. They also offer bingo every Monday and on certain holidays.
The resort also boasts the 18-hole golf course and an indoor pool and spa where guests can relax. Business guests can reserve their banquet and meeting rooms too.
Attached to the casino is the Dancing Eagles Hotel with 132-rooms available. Suites offer fireplaces and private whirlpools. There are also 14 RV spots available on the property with water and electric hook-ups. However, the RV park is closed from December through April.
Loyalty Program
Players can also earn rewards, discounts, and free play while they gamble at Northern Waters. All you have to do is join the Superior Club for free to start earning points towards freebies right away.
There doesn’t appear to be separate levels for this loyalty program. Simply use your card while playing, buying gas, or dining and you will earn points. Players receive $1 in free play for every 100 points earned. Players earn up to $300 in free play per day. Earned points are valid for one year.
Freedom Rewards Card
Northern Waters also offers a Freedom Rewards Card for Veterans and active-duty military members. This card doubles as a discount card and a Superior Club card for players. Those who qualify for the Freedom Rewards Card will enjoy an automatic 25% off at Northern Waters restaurants, hotel, and golf course.
FAQs About Northern Waters Casino Resort
Does the Northern Waters Casino Resort have a hotel?
Yes, the Dancing Eagles Hotel is a 132-room facility attached to the Northern Waters Casino Resort.
Where can you eat at Northern Waters Casino Resort?
You can dine at the Sugar Bush Restaurant, grab a quick bite at the Northern Waters Cafe, or enjoy a drink and hearty fare at the NW Sports Bar.
Does the Northern Waters Casino Resort have a steakhouse?
No, Northern Waters has a full-service restaurant with smothered steak and country fried steak on the menu.
Can you play at Northern Waters Casino Resort on Christmas Day?
Yes, Northern Waters is open 24 hours a day through all of the major holidays.
Is the Northern Waters Casino Resort a smoke-free zone?
There is no smoking allowed on the gaming floor. The Dancing Eagles Hotel also has non-smoking rooms available.