The Gun Lake Tribal Gaming Authority Board in Michigan Wednesday announced the promotion of Sal Semola to CEO of Gun Lake Casino. Semola has been the casino’s president and chief operating officer since 2017.
The 2021 Grand Rapids Business Journal Newsmaker of the Year in Western Michigan, Semola has worked in the gaming industry for 45 years. During his five years at GLC, Semola guided a $100-million expansion, which included three new restaurants that opened in September 2021. Semola also is working on a forthcoming project that will include a new $300-million hotel and resort.
In May 2021, Semola was instrumental in raising the minimum wage for GLC employees to $14 per hour and also increased benefits for staffers.
“The Council and I are proud of the progress Gun Lake Casino has made through the years with Sal at the helm,” said Gun Lake Tribal Chairman Bob Peters in a statement. “We look forward to many years of continued challenges and successes with Sal’s leadership in his updated role.”
Prior to joining GLC, Semola was president of Semola Consulting/Cornerstone Gaming Management in Las Vegas. He also has worked for Warner Gaming in Las Vegas as executive vice president; as vice president and general manager of Cannery Casino Resorts, also in Las Vegas; and at Greektown Casino Hotel in Detroit as chief operating officer.
