Two Ojibwa casinos in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are preparing to go smoke-free, as many locations are now banning indoor smoking. Patrons were advised of the new policy via a Facebook post. The new policy will go into effect March 24th, 2025.
The post stated: “The health benefits of smoke-free facilities are well-documented, ranging from improved air quality to a significant reduction in exposure to secondhand smoke, which can cause serious health risks. This change applies to the entirety of Ojibwa Casino Baraga and Marquette, including Superior Eats, the Pressbox, and the Baraga Hotel.”
The smoking ban will extend to all casino ventures, including restaurants and hotels, and will also include vaping.
Ojibwa Casinos said, “This decision underscores our commitment to providing a healthier, more comfortable environment for all guests and team members.”
Smoking is already banned at the following Michigan casinos:
- Bay Mills Resort & Casino (Brimley)
- FireKeepers Casino Hotel (Battle Creek)
- Kewadin Casinos (Christmas, Hessel, Manistique, St. Ignace and Sault Ste. Marie)
- Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge (Peshabestown)
- MotorCity Casino Hotel (Detroit)
- Northern Waters Casino Resort (Watersmeet)
- Saganing Eagles Landing Casino & Hotel (Standish)
- Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort (Mount Pleasant)
- Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel (Williamsburg)
Michigan Smoking Laws
Michigan banned smoking in public places in 2010. However, state laws do not apply to businesses located on tribal land, as they govern their own federally recognized properties.
American Indians and Alaska Natives belong to 566 federally recognized sovereign tribal nations. These nations possess sovereign status, enabling them to establish their own laws and exempting them from state taxes, licensing, and smoke-free regulations.
Michigan’s Online Gambling Options
In addition to tribal and commercial casinos, Michigan’s online gambling options include casinos, sportsbooks, poker, and more. The Wolverine State is one of the few states that allows their state-licensed casinos to operate online with proper licensing.
Casinos, sportsbooks, and online poker sites are all available to players over the age of 18 physically located in the state. The state has asked several of the biggest online gambling sites operating from outside the state to stop accepting MI players, but there are still tons of reputable sites that service the state.
Online players typically gravitate towards out-of-state casino sites for their extended banking options, which include cryptocurrencies, P2P apps, and more. Account holders can also take advantage of bigger bonuses and rewards programs offered to MI players.