Bay Mills Casino in Brimley Plans Dec. 28 Reopening

When the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) ordered a state shutdown of businesses that included Detroit’s commercial casinos, Michigan’s tribal casinos had to decide for themselves whether to remain open or follow the MDHHS’ lead.

Bay Mills Resort and Casino in Brimley was one of the few tribal casinos to close because of the state-issued health order. And with Michigan’s commercial casinos now eligible to reopen, Bay Mills has disclosed its plans to welcome back the public.

On its social media pages, Bay Mills announced it will reopen on Dec. 28 at 10 a.m. and be in business 24 hours a day.

“As always, Bay Mills Resort and Casinos takes pride in the safety and cleanliness of our facility,” the social media post said. “We will work diligently to keep our patrons and employees safe from this virus by cleaning and sanitizing around the clock. Because of the efforts from our employees and the actions of our Tribal Government, we are proud to announce that we have not yet had a confirmed case of transmission within our facilities.”

Bay Mills states it is reopening with Level 4 restrictions, which include:

• Hotel service with room service from the Back Bay Grill and Games
• Drink service on the casino floors only
• Carry-Out service at the Back Bay Grill and Games
• Table games department will open with the exception of Poker, Craps, and Roulette

Patrons will be required to wear a mask at all times and to keep six feet from people not in their party. No smoking or vaping will be permitted and the casino suggests that guests sanitize and wash their hands often.

”Bay Mills Resort and Casinos puts our patrons and employees first,” Bay Mills’ Facebook page said in its post. “Please help us by following the guidelines so we can remain open and provide a palace to ‘get away.’”

Tribal Casino Guidelines Differ From Commercial Casinos

Unlike Detroit’s three commercial casinos, tribal casinos in Michigan can set their own safety limitations within their facilities.

For MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino and Greektown Casino in Detroit, attendance is limited to 20 persons per 1,000 square feet. Food and drinks are not allowed to be sold or consumed and the total occupancy in a single room is 100.

MGM Grand Detroit and MotorCity reopened on Wednesday and Greektown is welcoming the public back on Christmas Eve.