As Seen in Casino Style Magazine: Performance Is the Payoff
The most successful casino resorts are measured by more than their opening day excitement. They create lasting value through thoughtful planning, memorable guest experiences, operational efficiency, and measurable business performance.
Global Gaming Business’ Casino Style magazine features HBG Design in its latest issue. The article, Performance is the Payoff explores how integrated resort design drives long-term success for owners, operators, and the communities they serve.
The feature highlights the remarkable performance of Gun Lake Casino Resort's $300 million expansion, which generated a 20% increase in revenue during its first two months of operation and recently earned AAA Four Diamond status for its new hotel. It also previews the opening of Ho-Chunk Beloit Casino, a transformative destination designed to support economic growth while expanding hospitality, entertainment, and gaming opportunities for the region.
The article reflects HBG Design's approach to casino resort development—connecting long-term vision with strategic planning, market positioning, operational excellence, and immersive guest experiences. We approach every design decision with performance in mind. That includes master planning, phased expansion, architecture, interior design, and amenity programming.
As the gaming and hospitality industries continue to evolve, creating destinations that are both memorable and financially successful remains at the heart of everything we do.
Read the full feature Performance is the Payoff in Global Gaming Business' Casino Style Magazine to learn more about how design strategy drives measurable results.
Gun Lake Earns AAA Four Diamond Designation
HBG Design is proud to celebrate Gun Lake Casino Resort earning the prestigious AAA Four Diamond designation — a milestone that recognizes the resort’s elevated guest experience, exceptional hospitality, and commitment to luxury accommodations in the Midwest.
The designation places Gun Lake Casino Resort among only four hotel properties in West Michigan to achieve AAA’s Four Diamond status. According to AAA Diamond Program Director Chris Andersen, the recognition reflects the resort’s “exceptional service, world-class hospitality, and elevated guest experience.”
The achievement follows a transformational period for the property, including the opening of the resort’s striking 16-story hotel tower, full-service spa, and expanded dining experiences in 2025. Designed by HBG Design, the expansion redefined the property as a fully integrated resort destination — blending entertainment, wellness, hospitality, and immersive guest amenities into a cohesive experience rooted in innovation and regional identity.
A defining feature of the expansion is the Wawyé Oasis, a breathtaking glass atrium environment spanning more than 32,000 square feet. Featuring live palm trees and a year-round tropical climate maintained at 80 degrees, the Oasis creates a one-of-a-kind experiential destination within the Midwest gaming and hospitality market.
“Our goal is to set the standard for luxury and service in casino resort operations in the Midwest,” said Brian Decorah, SVP/GM of Gun Lake Casino Resort. “Our entire team has been working toward this goal for almost a year, and it is a team victory to officially receive the AAA Four Diamond designation for our hotel and our level of commitment to our guests.”
HBG Design congratulates the Gun Lake Tribe and the entire Gun Lake Casino Resort team on this outstanding achievement. We are honored to have partnered in bringing this visionary resort destination to life and celebrating this recognition alongside the team.
