Four Winds Casino Dowagiac — Local services in Pokagon Township

Fourth time, next day. This wasn't a planned visit, a friend wanted to gamble. Started in the morning and again playing $5 -$8 bets I was able to hit 600 + 900 payouts within $300 play. Did not see any hand pays. Came back to pick up my friend and stayed 5 until 10:00 and saw at least five payouts after 7, they were playing generally, $2.00 bets. More importantly, I saw individuals hitting respectable payouts on lower bets. On 88 cents, I hit a couple $50.00 and one $112.00. If you had such a machine one would stay on it, bet low thru the dry spell, and not slot surf. Fewer lines at the ATMs, a sure sign that even if you're not winning big you're still having money to play on. What I suggest, however, after my fourth experience at Dowagiac since Covid, is the cage attendant be attentive to their duties. Each time, I approached (or watched) the cage, a line was waiting for an attendant to break away from their group to serve the patrons. One time I asked floor staff to hold my slot, and 10 minutes later, I returned to find that another staff member had assumed his position. Be prepared for slow service at the cage. Off topic, I see more folks cough, when being watched at work, then I see coughing at the Casino. I did not see anyone disrespectful of the mask rule. I would consider this to be pre covid play at Dowagiac, right now. Enjoy!

Third time back after, same gaming techique,- play a set amount move to another machine. I try to go same day of week and time slot. I do admit I like playing the higher amounts. While there I did not observe any hand pays. But the mood overall was postive on the faces of the players, more relaxed this time. Dowagic has new playing screens and shuffled their floor placement. I enjoyed learning the new machines, in the end however they bested my stake. By going back to the other slots, I was able to recoup my losses and left with $400. Of course, overall, from my last two visits to Dowagiac, the scoreboard has Dowagiac ahead of me. Winning is not casino guaranteed but that's what keeps you coming back.

I still say the bingo based slots are paying better, e.g. South Bend. But of all the Four Wind properties, as a whole, Dowagiac has the most professional and welcoming staff. I play off card the majority of the time, to stay under the radar. Their floor staff is established and familiar with their clientele. I watch them interact w the patrons in matters other than gambling. As a patron I like to know I am more than just a wallet to a business.

Less folks were at the gaming tables, which is an opening for less experienced players to be mentored by the dealers. Dowagiac dealers are very accommodating in this regard, and this is a great time to learn table games without the pressure of sitting next to an impatient experienced player.

Machines were cleaner as was the floor in general. Unlike my last two visits, patrons were honoring the masks rules, not playing the "off the nose game" forcing the floor staff to redirect their behavior. An unpleasant experience to watch, and I expect the staff to engage in.

It was nice to see patrons respecting smoker's chair breaks. I prefer the nonsmoking environment but w that comes a responsibility to respect a smoker's break.

While the playing levels do not appear to be back up to pre covid levels at Dowagiac, the playing mood was much more relaxed, indicative of players' acceptance of...

Part of the experience is the food and the Timbers is average at best. I ordered the prime rib which was like rubber to cut and perhaps microwaved, mashed potatoes cold and stiff with coleslaw in tiny lidded cup one would expect for salad dressing portions. I have had different sandwiches, for example- grinder, greasy, over cooked from reheating. Breaded foods are over fried. Eat before you go save your money for playing.

I will say however that the staff are sincerely helpful and nice.

The staff at the gaming tables are fantastic. If you are wanting to learn cards this is the place to go. Hands down. So five stars to them, being dragged down by food service. So know why you are going there, overall experience, tables or slots, for your best experience.

As for slot play, new slots are arriving --regulars will have the well known looser slots covered at peak and even off times; I have experienced (2) $1,700 hand pays and other hits over 300.00 BUT I had to be playing max bets with over 300.00 won on over dollar bets. Still a lot of fun. So make your choice as to what you want, big money lose go home grumpy or more play time, enjoyment with some money walking out the door.

Finally, via Facebook posts you hear more about hand pays at the other Four Winds locations, especially South Bend, whose Copperrock restaurant is amazing, buffet good food but overpriced; perhaps Dowagiac should start Facebook posts of handpays?

I, for one, win more here but go often to South Bend location for the overall experience, food, shopping, drawings, gaming ect.

Years ago I went to New Buffalo but the smoke was overwhelming and haven't been back. I hear this problem has been solved but with Blue Chip nearby no need to go further.

For the whole vacation experience, an extra few minutes of drivetime, I suggest you go to Michigan City (Indiana's) casino. Numerous slot games and table games that even if you lose, playing earns bonuses you can use on the wonderful buffet restaurant then rest up in hotel, as rooms free. Additionally, if you opt for a reasonably priced buffet that playing slots with lessen price, you will not be...

We were greeted at the door by the staff. Not a lot of smokers, so that was great. First time I was ever at this casino I got my players card and the staff were nice and friendly. I received a $5 player's credit. This casino is small--very small!! I should also note the casino is also very clean. The slots had zero smudges and the floors were super clean and it didn't smell like smoke or "old drinks." Plenty of parking, too. The reason I am giving the casino a Three Star is: The size of casino eg. number of slots, gaming area. There is only one place to eat in the casino. The café reminded me of cafeteria food... we didn't eat in the café. Nice bar area (didn't drink, so I can't comment on prices) and like I said the staff were super friendly. ALSO, ramp off at the Dowagiac Exit. Do NOT RAMP OFF at Exit 46 IT IS WRONG. You will get in to Hartford and the MDOT/CASINO Sign shows 3.9 miles. That is totally WRONG! Turn around and go back towards Dowagiac and follow the casino in. You will just keep driving... get lost... no cell signal... and have to find your way out! Staff is amazingly NICE, though!

We didn't stay very long and only dropped a few bucks and scooted. Just a very small neighborhood casino. Cute place and if you have 30 minutes, stop. Will I be going back? No. The staff presence saved our visit. They all acted like owners of the casino. I wish I could get service like this...