Potawatomi Casino Hotel stands as Milwaukee's most comprehensive entertainment destination, combining world-class gaming with luxury hospitality in the heart of Wisconsin's largest city. Located on Canal Street in the Menomonee Valley near Downtown Milwaukee, this Native American casino has evolved from its 1991 opening as Potawatomi Bingo Casino into a full-scale resort that rivals major Las Vegas properties. The 264-foot tall structure, operated by the Forest County Potawatomi Community, represents a significant economic and entertainment anchor for the region, attracting visitors from across the Midwest and beyond.
The property's strategic location provides easy access from Interstate 94, with convenient public transit connections via Milwaukee County Transit System routes. The casino's expansion over three decades reflects its commitment to delivering premium experiences, culminating in the 2019 completion of a second hotel tower that brought total room capacity to 500 and added extensive spa and meeting facilities.
Gaming Floor and Casino Offerings
The gaming floor at Potawatomi Casino Hotel encompasses over 3,000 slot machines ranging from classic reel games to the latest video slots and progressive jackpot systems. The selection includes penny slots for casual players and high-limit machines for serious gamblers, with denominations spanning the full spectrum of betting preferences. Electronic gaming options extend beyond traditional slots to include video poker, electronic table games, and specialty gaming terminals.
Table Games Selection
The casino operates more than 100 table games across multiple pit areas, offering comprehensive options for card and dice enthusiasts. Blackjack tables feature various rule sets and betting limits, from low-minimum games for beginners to high-stakes tables for experienced players. Roulette, craps, baccarat, and specialty games like Three Card Poker and Ultimate Texas Hold'em provide diverse gaming experiences throughout the day and night.
The non-smoking casino section ensures that health-conscious players have dedicated gaming space with the same variety of slots and table games available in the main floor areas. This separation allows guests to choose their preferred environment without sacrificing game selection or quality of experience.
Poker Room Operations
The 20-table poker room operates around the clock, hosting cash games in multiple formats including Limit and No-Limit Texas Hold'em, Seven Card Stud, and Pot Limit Omaha. Professional dealers manage games at various stakes, accommodating both recreational players and serious poker enthusiasts. The room features comfortable seating, dedicated cocktail service, and tournament capabilities for special events and series.
Regular poker promotions include high-hand bonuses, bad beat jackpots, and tournament series that attract regional and national players. The poker room maintains a digital waiting list system and table management technology that ensures efficient seating and game flow during peak hours.
Sportsbook and Sports Betting
The Potawatomi Sportsbook represents one of Wisconsin's premier sports betting venues, featuring a massive video wall exceeding 2,000 square feet that displays live games and real-time odds. The facility occupies the former Northern Lights Theater space, transformed into a Las Vegas-style sports betting lounge with comfortable seating, multiple viewing angles, and full bar service.
Self-service betting kiosks throughout the property allow guests to place wagers on professional and college sports, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, and specialty events. The sportsbook accepts bets on point spreads, moneylines, totals, parlays, teasers, and prop bets across major leagues including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and NCAA competitions.
Gameday Experience and Shuttles
Special promotions tie into local Milwaukee sports teams, with dedicated shuttle services operating for Milwaukee Bucks games at Fiserv Forum and watch parties for Milwaukee Admirals hockey games. The sportsbook dining area provides full menu service, allowing guests to enjoy meals while watching games and tracking their wagers on the expansive video displays.
Hotel Accommodations and Suites
The 500-room hotel comprises two towers offering accommodations from standard guest rooms to premium suites designed for luxury and comfort. Signature rooms include the 2 Queen and King configurations with modern amenities, while upgraded options feature the King Deluxe and King Corner rooms with enhanced space and views of downtown Milwaukee or the Menomonee Valley.
Suite Categories and Amenities
Suite options range from Junior Suites providing separate living areas to the expansive Presidential Suite offering multi-room luxury accommodations. The Signature Grand Suite, Corner Suite, Supreme Suite, Double Suite, and Chairman's Suite each provide distinct layouts and premium furnishings suitable for extended stays, special occasions, or high-roller guests seeking maximum comfort.
All hotel rooms feature contemporary design, flat-screen televisions, high-speed internet access, premium bedding, and modern bathrooms. Suite guests receive additional amenities including separate living and sleeping areas, wet bars, upgraded bathroom fixtures, and priority access to hotel services and concierge assistance.
Dining and Restaurant Options
Potawatomi Casino Hotel hosts multiple dining venues catering to diverse culinary preferences and occasions. Dream Dance Steakhouse serves as the property's signature fine dining restaurant, offering premium cuts, seafood, and an extensive wine list in an upscale atmosphere. Reservations are recommended for this award-winning establishment that consistently ranks among Milwaukee's top steakhouses.
Casual Dining and Quick Service
Canal Street Cafe provides 24-hour dining with American comfort food, breakfast options, and casual entrees available any time of day or night. RuYi specializes in Asian cuisine with authentic Chinese dishes and sushi preparations. Rock & Brews Restaurant combines American fare with a rock-and-roll themed atmosphere, featuring burgers, sandwiches, and craft beer selections.
Quick service options include Cream City Coffee Co. for specialty coffee drinks and pastries, plus the Marketplace food court offering multiple vendors with pizza, sandwiches, and grab-and-go items. Potawatomi Provisions serves as the property's convenience store and gift shop, stocking essentials, snacks, beverages, and branded merchandise.
Bars and Lounges
Bar 360 provides a circular bar experience with views of the gaming floor and extensive cocktail menu. ElevenHundred Bar & Lounge offers craft cocktails, premium spirits, and regular entertainment including live DJs and musical performances. EZ Street serves as a casual bar option with sports viewing and relaxed atmosphere. The Sportsbook Dining area combines food service with sports betting entertainment.
Entertainment and Events
The Event Center hosts major concerts, comedy shows, and special events throughout the year, with the Potawatomi Amplified Concert Series bringing national touring acts to Milwaukee. Recent and upcoming performances include diverse genres from rock and country to hip-hop and Latin music, with artists like Third Eye Blind and Tejano Fest attracting regional audiences.
Free entertainment occurs regularly in the casino's bars and lounges, with live bands, DJs, and performers providing nightly shows without cover charges. The property's event venues accommodate private functions, corporate meetings, weddings, and group gatherings with dedicated event planning services and customizable floor plans.
Meetings and Convention Facilities
The 180,000-square-foot expansion added significant meeting and convention space, positioning Potawatomi as a viable option for business events, conferences, and large gatherings. Multiple ballrooms, breakout rooms, and flexible event spaces accommodate groups from intimate meetings to conventions of several hundred attendees.
Professional event services include audiovisual equipment, catering coordination, setup configurations, and dedicated event staff. The property's combination of meeting space, hotel accommodations, dining options, and entertainment creates comprehensive packages for multi-day conferences and corporate retreats.
Potawatomi Rewards Loyalty Program
The all-new Potawatomi Rewards program provides tiered benefits based on gaming activity and property spending. Members earn points through slot play, table games, hotel stays, dining, and retail purchases, with points redeemable for free play, dining credits, hotel nights, and merchandise.
VIP Services through the 1833 Club offer premium benefits for high-level players, including dedicated hosts, exclusive promotions, priority reservations, and special event invitations. Promotional kiosks located throughout the casino allow members to check point balances, print free play vouchers, and access personalized offers.
Location and Accessibility
Situated at 1721 West Canal Street in Milwaukee's Menomonee Valley, the casino occupies a prominent position west of Interstate 94, making it the tallest habitable structure in that section of the city. The location provides convenient access from major highways and downtown Milwaukee, with ample parking in attached and surface lots.
Public transportation access via Milwaukee County Transit System buses connects the property to residential neighborhoods and other city destinations. The casino's proximity to American Family Field and downtown attractions makes it a natural component of Milwaukee entertainment itineraries for both locals and visitors.
Responsible Gaming and Player Protection
Potawatomi Casino Hotel maintains comprehensive responsible gaming programs including self-exclusion options, voluntary spending limits, and access to problem gambling resources. Staff training emphasizes recognition of problem gambling behaviors and appropriate intervention protocols.
The property partners with Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling and provides information about counseling services, support groups, and treatment options. Guests can access responsible gaming materials at player services desks and through the casino's mobile app and website.
Conclusion
Potawatomi Casino Hotel has established itself as the Midwest's premier integrated resort, combining extensive gaming options with luxury hotel accommodations, diverse dining experiences, and comprehensive entertainment offerings. The property's continuous expansion and reinvestment demonstrate the Forest County Potawatomi Community's commitment to maintaining competitive advantages and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Whether visiting for gaming, dining, entertainment, or overnight stays, Potawatomi provides a complete destination experience that rivals major casino resorts in traditional gaming markets. The combination of convenient Milwaukee location, extensive amenities, and consistent service quality positions the property as Wisconsin's leading casino entertainment destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the operating hours for Potawatomi Casino Hotel?
The casino gaming floor operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The poker room also runs continuously. Individual restaurants, bars, and amenities have varying hours, with some offering 24-hour service and others operating on scheduled times.
How many hotel rooms does Potawatomi Casino Hotel have?
The property features 500 hotel rooms and suites across two towers. The second tower opened in spring 2019, expanding capacity and adding spa facilities and additional meeting space to the resort.
Does Potawatomi Casino offer sports betting?
Yes, the Potawatomi Sportsbook provides comprehensive sports betting through self-service kiosks located throughout the property. The main sportsbook lounge features a video wall exceeding 2,000 square feet for viewing live games while placing wagers.
What types of table games are available at Potawatomi Casino?
The casino offers over 100 table games including blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, Three Card Poker, and Ultimate Texas Hold'em. The 20-table poker room hosts cash games in Texas Hold'em, Seven Card Stud, and Omaha formats.
Is there a non-smoking area in the casino?
Yes, Potawatomi Casino maintains a dedicated non-smoking casino section with slots and table games. This allows guests to enjoy gaming in a smoke-free environment without sacrificing game variety.
What restaurants are located at Potawatomi Casino Hotel?
Dining options include Dream Dance Steakhouse, Canal Street Cafe, RuYi Asian cuisine, Rock & Brews Restaurant, Cream City Coffee Co., and the Marketplace food court. Multiple bars and the Sportsbook Dining area provide additional food and beverage service.
How do I join the Potawatomi Rewards program?
Guests can sign up for Potawatomi Rewards at any player services desk by presenting valid identification. Membership is free and provides immediate access to earning points on gaming, dining, hotel stays, and other property spending.
Does Potawatomi Casino Hotel offer shuttle services?
Yes, the property operates gameday shuttles for Milwaukee Bucks games at Fiserv Forum during the NBA season. Additional shuttle and transportation services may be available for special events and promotions.