SEARCH NEWS:

 

Michigan Casino Opponents Challenge Proposal Casino Land Deal

WAYLAND TOWNSHIP, Michigan – As reported by the Grand Rapids Press: "Grand Rapids-area casino opponents are preparing for a court battle to stop or at least delay the federal government's move to take land into trust for a proposed American Indian casino.

"Without court action, the Gun Lake Band of Pottawatomi Indians would be allowed to open a limited form of casino as soon as next month on the Wayland Township site.

"The Bureau of Indian Affairs in Washington on Tuesday said it plans to take 147 acres into trust for the Gun Lake Band, also known as the Match-E-Be-Ash-She-Wish. The move, which had been expected for months, capped years of efforts by the tribe to establish an official tribal land for a casino.

"U.S. Reps. Vern Ehlers, R-Grand Rapids, and Peter Hoekstra, R-Holland, called the BIA's decision disappointing.

"…Without court intervention, the tribe would be able to open what is known as a Class 2 casino, which can include bingo and electronic games of chance, at the end of the 30 days. A Class 2 facility lacks the traditional slot machines and casino card games found in Class 3 casinos…"

< Gaming News