Bill backs compact for Gun Lake Band casino

Friday, July 20, 2007  

The Michigan House is considering a bill to ratify a Class III gaming compact with the Match-e-be-nash-she-wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians, also known as the Gun Lake Band.

The tribe signed the compact with Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D) in March. It calls for the tribe to share between 8 to 12 percent of electronic Class III revenue.

The deal came after a federal court upheld the tribe's land-into-trust application. An anti-gaming group has appealed but Rep. Barbara Farrah, a Democrat, says she believes the tribe will ultimately prevail.

The federal courts have rejected two other anti-gaming lawsuits in Michigan. One tribe, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, is set to open its casino early next month.

Get the Story:
Gun Lake casino clears hurdle with House (The Grand Rapids Press 7/20)