Kewadin Casinos posted increases in gaming revenue during the month of May, despite increases in transportation costs for consumers, a struggling Michigan economy, and reports of casinos in other market segments of Michigan struggling, reported its owner, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, June 3.

Net slot revenue at all five casinos combined finished ahead by $909,138, or 11.4%, for the month. The Kewadin Casino in Sault Ste. Marie saw the largest increase, with revenue 20.4% higher compared to the same month last year. The St. Ignace Shores Casino also experienced a 7.9% revenue increase over the same period last year.

The gains were attributed to improved efficiency in staffing and operations, according to Kewadin Casino Chief Operating Officer Tony Goetz.

"Four of our five casinos posted gains for the month, while the fifth casino has shown signs of rebounding based on trending during the last half of the month," Mr. Goetz said. "This is attributed to better utilization of our overall team and our continued effort to operate more efficiently."

Kewadin also recently announced the hiring of the Red Circle Group, a full service marketing firm from Minneapolis, Minnesota, that specializes in working with Native American casinos and will implement a new branding campaign over the next several weeks.

Kewadin Casinos has properties in St. Ignace, Hessel, Sault Ste. Marie, Manistique, and Christmas.