Discover Gun Lake Casino in Wayland, MI. Find details on gaming, dining options, live entertainment schedules, current promotions, and hotel accommodations.
Gun Lake Casino Wayland MI Gaming Entertainment and Dining Guide
For an immediate premium gaming experience near Grand Rapids, head straight to Gun Lake's establishment at 1123 129th Avenue. This facility operates 24/7, offering a selection of over 2,500 slot machines. Popular choices include Dragon Link, Lightning Link, and high-limit options with denominations reaching $100. Table game enthusiasts will find more than 47 tables featuring classics like Blackjack, Craps with 10x odds, and Roulette. Poker players can join games in the dedicated 14-table poker room, which hosts daily tournaments and cash games.
Plan your visit around the dining options for a complete experience. Shkodé Chophouse provides an upscale atmosphere with dry-aged steaks and an extensive wine list; reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend evenings. For a more casual meal, CBK (Craft, Beer, Kitchen) serves local brews and elevated pub fare. The Harvest Buffet offers a vast selection of dishes, making it a practical choice for groups with varied tastes. Check the GLC Rewards program for dining discounts and points accumulation on food purchases.
Beyond the games, this entertainment center features regular live performances at Stage 131. The schedule typically includes local and regional bands, tribute acts, and comedy shows, primarily on Friday and Saturday nights. Admission to these events is often complimentary. For parking, utilize the free multi-level covered garage, which provides convenient access to the main floor, protecting visitors from Michigan's unpredictable weather. Valet service is also available for a fee.
Gun Lake Casino Wayland, MI: A Practical Guide
Arrive before 4 PM on weekdays to secure parking in the main structure, especially on promotion days. The overflow lot, while serviced by a shuttle, adds a 10-15 minute delay. The establishment is located at 1123 129th Ave, a direct exit from US-131. For dining, Harvest Buffet offers the best value; the seafood night on Friday costs approximately $45 per person and includes crab legs and prime rib. Reservations for Shkodé Chophouse are best made two weeks in advance, particularly for weekend evenings, through their direct phone line, as online slots fill rapidly.
The GLC Rewards card is a must. Sign up immediately upon arrival; new members often receive free slot play credits, typically between $10 and $25. Points accumulate at a rate of one for every $1 on slots and vary for table games. Reaching the "Premier" tier (5,000 points) grants access to a dedicated service line and priority seating at restaurants. Table game minimums are lowest during weekday mornings, with blackjack starting at $15 per hand. By evening and on weekends, expect minimums to rise to $25 or higher. The poker room on the second floor hosts daily tournaments with buy-ins starting at $60.
For non-gaming activities, the Stage 131 bar features live local bands Thursday through Saturday nights, starting around 9 PM, with no cover charge. The venue is entirely non-smoking, with designated outdoor smoking areas near the main entrances. The nearest gasoline and convenience store is a Speedway, located two miles east of the exit. The attached hotel, Aquadome, features a glass-enclosed tropical atrium with multiple pools. Hotel check-in is at 4 PM, and late check-out requests are rarely granted on weekends due to high occupancy.
How to Join the GLC Rewards Program and Maximize Your Points
Sign up for the GLC Rewards program directly at the Rewards Center counter inside the gaming establishment near Dorr. You must be at least 21 years old and present a valid, government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport. The process takes only a few minutes, and you receive your personalized membership card immediately.
Maximizing Your Point Accumulation:
- Insert your GLC Rewards card into the reader on any slot machine or video poker terminal before you begin play. Points are earned based on the amount of money cycled through the machine, not on wins or losses.
- Present your card to the dealer before starting a table game. The pit supervisor will track your average bet and duration of play to award points accordingly. Games like Blackjack, Craps, and Roulette qualify.
- Provide your card when making purchases at participating restaurants and retail shops within the Gun Lake property to earn points on every dollar spent.
- Take advantage of point multiplier promotions. Check the promotional calendar for specific days when you can earn 2x, 5x, or even 10x points on your play.
Tier Levels and Associated Perks:
Your point total determines your tier status, which resets annually. Higher tiers offer significantly better rewards.
- Select Tier (0 – 24,999 points): The entry level provides access to basic promotions and the ability to convert points to Free Slot Play.
- Advantage Tier (25,000 – 99,999 points): Members receive discounts at food outlets and the gift shop, plus exclusive event invitations.
- Preferred Tier (100,000 – 249,999 points): Benefits include priority service lines, access to the VIP lounge, and personalized host services.
- Elite Tier (250,000+ points): This top level grants all lower-tier perks, plus complimentary concert tickets, annual celebratory dinners, and a yearly travel credit.
Redeeming Your Points:
Points can be converted directly into several forms of value:
- Free Slot Play: Redeem points for playable credits directly at most slot machines.
- Food and Beverage: Use points as payment at Harvest Buffet, Shkodé Chophouse, and other dining venues on-site.
- Retail Purchases: Pay for merchandise at the gift shop using your accumulated points.
- Cash Back: Visit the cashier's cage to convert points into cash at a specified redemption rate.
Navigating Table Game Minimums and Popular Slot Machines on a Friday Night
Expect table minimums to start at $15 for Blackjack and Craps immediately after 6 PM on a Friday. Before this time, finding a $10 Blackjack table is possible, typically located away from the main pit. For Three Card Poker and Ultimate Texas Hold'em, minimums are consistently $10 or $15 throughout the evening. Roulette tables will feature a $15 minimum with a $1 chip value. For lower stakes, seek out the electronic Roulette and Craps terminals, where bets can be placed for as little as $3 per roll or spin.
On Friday nights, the most occupied slot machines are Dragon Link and Lightning Link, often with all seats taken by 7 PM. Finding an open machine requires circling the high-traffic areas near the establishment's center. Buffalo Gold and Buffalo Chief machines, especially those in banks of four or more, also see constant play. For a higher chance of finding an open seat with similar gameplay, look for the Aristocrat games on the periphery of the gaming floor. Progressive jackpot slots like Wheel of Fortune will show heightened activity; target the $0.25 and $1 denomination machines as the $5 versions are less frequently occupied.
To secure a spot at a desired table game, arrive between 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM. This window precedes the main dinner rush and the subsequent influx of patrons. For popular slot titles, your best opportunity is during the 9 PM to 10 PM timeframe, when some early evening players begin to depart. Avoid the hours between 7 PM and 9 PM, as this is peak occupancy for both table games and electronic gaming devices. If you are with a partner, one person can scout for open slots while the other waits for a seat at a Blackjack table, increasing your chances of finding a spot quickly.
Dining Options and Making Reservations at Shkodé, CBK, and Harvest Buffet
Reserve your table for Shkodé and CBK directly through the OpenTable platform, which is accessible via the Gun Lake establishment's official website. For groups of nine or more, you must call the restaurants directly to coordinate seating. Harvest Buffet does not accept reservations; seating is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Plan for potential wait times, especially during peak weekend hours from 6 PM to 9 PM.
Shkodé Chophouse (Fine Dining)
To secure a specific time, book at least one week in advance, particularly for Friday or Saturday evenings. The menu highlights prime steaks, such as the 24oz bone-in ribeye, and seafood selections like the pan-seared scallops. For a unique experience, request a table near the fireplace upon booking, though this cannot be guaranteed. The dress code is business casual; collared shirts are recommended for men. Be aware that this venue is restricted to guests aged 21 and older. The wine list features over 250 labels, with a sommelier available for pairing recommendations.
CBK (Craft Beer & Kitchen)
CBK offers a casual atmosphere with a focus on local Michigan brews and elevated pub fare. Reservations are recommended for groups larger than four, especially during sporting event broadcasts. Popular menu items include the smoked brisket mac & cheese and the "CBK Burger." With over 48 beers on tap, you can ask the staff for a flight recommendation based on your preferences for specific styles like IPAs or stouts. This location is open to all ages, making it suitable for family dining before 9 PM.
Harvest Buffet (All-You-Can-Eat)
The Harvest Buffet operates without a reservation system. https://flabet.cloud to arrive to minimize wait time is just before the main dinner rush, around 4:30 PM on weekdays. The buffet features themed nights, such as a seafood focus on Friday and prime rib on Saturday. Check the entertainment complex's weekly schedule for specific themes and pricing. The layout includes multiple stations: Italian, American, Asian, and a dedicated dessert bar. Payment is required upon entry.