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WAYLAND, MI - As the new president and chief operating officer of Gun Lake Casino, Salvatore "Sal" Semola says he is just getting acquainted with West Michiganders and their reputation for being "nice."

But Semola needs no introduction to what he calls the "art and science" of running a casino.

Semola comes to the tribal casino from Las Vegas with 40 years of experience in the gaming and hospitality industry. He's been an adjunct professor at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, teaching casino management programs.

The Philadelphia native has held management roles at Foxwoods Resort Casino, Cannery Casino Hotel, and Detroit's Greektown Casino Hotel.  Most recently, he was the owner of Semola Consulting/Cornerstone Gaming Management, a casino consulting company.

The 62-year-old Semola says he's glad to be back in Michigan, where he and his wife enjoyed their time at the Greektown Casino Hotel.They are looking forward to being closer to old friends and discovering out-state Michigan's attractions, he said.

So far, Semola said he and his wife have been impressed by the friendliness and hospitality they've been shown by West Michigan residents and employees of the 7-year-old casino.

Semola who answers to the tribal council for the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians, was hired to lead the Gun Lake Casino into new era of independence.

Next February, the casino will end its 7-year management contract with MPM Enterprises, a joint venture owned by an affiliate of Station Casinos, Inc. and a group of Mount Pleasant-based investors. Federal law requires tribal casinos to remove all private managers after seven years of operation.

"We are confident that the addition of Mr. Semola's management capabilities to our established executive team will ensure the continued success and growth of the Gun Lake Casino," tribal chairman Scott Sprague said in a statement.

"We thank Station Casinos for their years of management expertise and the solid foundation it provided for the tribe."

Located halfway between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, the Gun Lake Casino features more than 2,000 slot machines, 42 table games, a high-limit room, a food court, a 225-seat cafe, and a 300-seat buffet restaurant. The casino employs than 1,000 workers.

Semola is taking over a casino that recently completed the second phase of its $76 million expansion project, which includes a "high-limit" room with slots and table games and a new bar. Construction recently began on a five-story parking deck that will include 1,200 parking spaces, and four covered-floors.

Gun Lake Casino opens new 'high-limit' room, adds more parking

"I am very excited about the opportunity to work for the citizens of the Gun Lake Tribe, and to lead an incredible group of team members at the Gun Lake Casino," Semola said.

"Gun Lake Casino is a beautiful property that is poised for tremendous growth that will produce mutual benefits for the tribe and local community."

As he wrapped up his first day on the job this week, Semola said he's not sure where he will take the casino in the future. He said he wants to avoid a "cookie cutter" approach and copy other successful casinos.

"It requires a lot of thought and analysis," he said. That includes evaluating the competition from other casinos and entertainment venues in the region, he said.

Although the challenges differ from market to market, Semola said successful casinos focus on the treating their employees and guests with respect and dignity. That brings repeat customers that are crucial to success, he said.