The 38,400 square-foot Potawatomi Bingo Casino in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is said to have the largest daily bingo pay outs in the United States. Every day, the casino pays out at least of $50,000 to players from all over the world.

This isn't just any old bingo. Potawatomi has a variety of bingo programs so that players don't have to fall into the same old rut. The facility offers "Hot Ball," "Bonanza Bingo," "Pot-of-Gold," "All Star Special," "Pick 8 Special," "Speed Ball," "Money Machine," "New Car Game," "8-13," "Bingo Storm" and a variety of computer bingos including "Power Bingo" and "Rocket Bingo."

Those who are not avid players and those who don't know how to play at all may take advantage of Potawatomi's friendly and knowledgeable volunteers who are ready to explain the basics and the fine points of the game.

Tribal History

Before European contact, the Potawatomi had a population of more than 10,000 people who lived on 30 million acres in what is now Michigan. In the 1600s, the Potawatomi came south and west and started settlements along the shores of Lake Michigan. The Potawatomi lived close to the Ottawa and Chippewa tribes, with whom they shared similar languages and culture, and the three tribes formed an alliance. The Potawatomi had the task of keeping the Sacred Fire alive.

During the 19th century, many of the Potawatomi were forced to go to to new lands in the west. Those who managed to avoid this fate stayed in the area and became the Forest County Potawatomi.

Gaming Facility

The floor plan of the Potawatomi Bingo Casino reflects the rich heritage of this proud nation. The Circle Of Life is located in the center of the main gaming area. Surrounding it are the four seasons: Spring in the East, Summer in the South, Fall in the West and Winter to the North.

Potawatomi's has more than 1500 slot machines, as well as table games such as blackjack, craps, roulette, let it ride bonus poker, bingo and more.

Smoke-Free Play

The Sky Lodge, on the second floor, is a smoke-free room with 230 slots and a full service snack bar. Bingo players can also get away from the smoke in their own section in the back of the bingo hall.

The casino complex contains three restaurants including the Fire Pit Sports Bar and Grill, and Dream Dance, an elegant dining experience, which uses multi-person service teams to handle guests' every need. Whenever possible, Dream Dance serves Potawatomi's own farm raised venison from the Potawatomi Red Deer Ranch located next to Nicolet National Forest.