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Michigan Tribe Bets on Casino to Pay Off Debts

DOWAGIAC, Michigan – As reported by the South Bend Tribune: "Why does the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians need a casino?

"Tribal Chairman John Miller can think of 40 million reasons.

"That's the amount of debt the tribe has acquired since its status as a federally recognized tribe was reaffirmed 10 years ago.

"Miller said most of that $40 million resulted from the tribe's purchase of traditional tribal lands in southwest Michigan and northern Indiana.

"…Miller said Minneapolis-based Lakes Entertainment, the tribe's casino partner, has extended loans to the Pokagons for the property and will be paid back with revenues anticipated from the tribe's casino.

"…But the casino, proposed for a 675-acre site at Interstate 94 and Michigan 239 in New Buffalo Township, has been long in coming, with construction yet to begin nine years and 10 months after tribal members voted to pursue gaming as a source of revenue for tribal programs. When asked about the delay, Miller has a ready answer.

"'Because of litigation brought forth by a competitor,' Miller says.

"That competitor is Boyd Gaming, the Las Vegas-based owner of the Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City, just 10 miles removed from New Buffalo. Miller argues that Boyd Gaming has financed efforts by the New Buffalo organization Taxpayers of Michigan Against Casinos to block the casino through a series of legal maneuvers…"

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