Ste. Saulte Marie Tribe blames layoffs on casino tax

Thursday, August 12, 2004  

The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Michigan says a hike in casino taxes will force the layoff of 100 people at its Detroit casino.

In hopes of patching up the state budget deficit, lawmakers passed a bill to increase the tax on Detroit's three casinos from 18 percent to 24 percent. The tribe owns the Greektown Casino.

In addition to layoffs, chairman Aaron Payment said the tribe won't be able to expand the facility. The casino has 2,400 employees and grosses $340 million a year. Net annual revenues are $80 million but the casino has about $30 million in annual debt.

Get the Story:
Casino tax bill to cost 100 Greektown workers their jobs (The Detroit Free Press 8/12)