Wisconsin: Potawatomi Casino to launch massive $100M renovation project on third floor

Wisconsin's Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in Milwaukee announced Monday it will undergo a $100 million renovation project on the casino’s third floor. Impacting more than 120,000 square feet of space, this transformation will provide guests with new gaming, food and entertainment experiences. The new amenities are scheduled to open by spring 2023.

The renovation will bring more than 1,800 slot machines, including a new bar with 28 bar-top “slot seats” and an array of 4K televisions. Guests will also find cashier stations and a brand new Fire Keeper’s Club booth. 

The property's new high-limit room (render).

The property will open a new and exclusive high-limit room, which will feature “upscale decor and top-flight service”, according to casino officials. Players will be able to enjoy its craft bar, stage and gourmet kitchen featuring a brick oven. In the skywalk and entry area, players will find modern decor with LED lighting, video walls and sound system throughout the third floor. 

The renovations will also bring new food and beverage options to the property, such as Rock & Brews, by KISS’ Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons. A groundbreaking for the new restaurant will be held on Wednesday, May 11 at 3 PM, with both Stanley and Simmons attending the ceremony.

A Starbucks Coffee will also open at the property, with a full-service location with both beverage and food options, along with other three “quick service” food and beverage stations where the guests can grab a bite or have food delivered to their gaming station. A new gift/convenience shop will also open at Potawatomi.  

Potawatomi's new Rock & Brews restaurant (render).

CEO and General Manager Dominic Ortiz spoke in an official press release about the project and said: “Since opening more than 30 years ago, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino has made it a priority to evolve and meet the needs of our guests. Not only will this elevate the brand, but it will also further our long-standing status as the premier entertainment destination in the region as the market becomes significantly more competitive. This is just the beginning. Additional exciting changes and new amenities are in store. The best is truly yet to come”. 

New gaming space (render)

Forest County Potawatomi Chairman Ned Daniels, Jr. also commented: “Milwaukee and southeast Wisconsin have been home to the Potawatomi for hundreds of years, and this project is another example of how we are continuing to invest in and better the communities we call home. We are excited to bring these new experiences to our guests and to continue our role as the top entertainment destination in Wisconsin”.

Renovated third floor (render). 

The project intends to renovate the third floor space which formerly housed a bingo hall, poker room, off-track betting facility, gift shop a food court, Bella Italiana restaurant and some banquet space. 

The announcement comes as the casino also plans to add a sports betting area under a February agreement between the tribe and Governor Tony Evers. The amenity would cover a variety of sports, and the sportsbook targets an opening by the end of the year.