Gun Lake Band optimistic on land for casino

Monday, October 22, 2007  

Ed. Note: The Gun Lake casino was incorrectly referred to as the Four Winds Casino, which is owned by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, in an earlier version of the post. The correct name is the Gun Lake Casino. The project will cost $200 million, not $400 million.

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments on Friday in another Michigan land-into-trust case.

The Gun Lake Band of Pottawatomi Indians wants 147 acres placed in trust for the $20 million Gun Lake Casino. Gaming opponents have tied up the acquisition for years.

A federal judge ruled that the complaints lacked merit. The D.C. Circuit has ruled in favor of Michigan tribes in two similar cases.

With a favorable ruling, the Gun Lake Band hopes to break ground on the this year. Construction would take 14 to 16 months, a spokesperson said.

Get the Story:
Pottawatomis confident of Wayland casino plans (The Grand Rapids Press 10/19)
U.S. court hears casino arguments (The Kalamazoo Gazette 10/19)