The Michigan Supreme Court on Wednesday affirmed two tribal gaming compacts that were challenged by an anti-casino group.

The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians signed compacts in 1998 with then-Gov. John Engler (R). The tribes later negotiated amendments in 2003 with Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D).

Taxpayers of Michigan Against Casinos (TOMAC) said the amendments were invalid because they weren't approved by the Legislature. But the court upheld a provision in the compacts that allowed Granholm to make changes without legislative approval [TOMAC v. Michigan]

The Nottawaseppi Huron Band still faces another lawsuit from Citizens Exposing Truth About Casinos (CETAC) before it can open a casino. The Little Traverse Bay Bands plan to open a second casino.

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Mich. Supreme Court affirms casino deal (AP 5/31)