The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians Indians signed an amended Class III gaming compact with Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D).

The new agreement lowers the tribe's revenue-sharing rate. In 2009 and 2010, the tribe will share 4 percent of slot machine profits from the FireKeepers Casino with the state, down from 8 percent in the original compact.

In 2011, the tribe will share 4 percent of slot profits under $100 million and 6 percent of slot profits over $100 million. Starting in 2012, the rate will based on a sliding scale, with payments not to exceed 8 percent of slot profits.

Despite the lower rate, the tribe will continue to share 2 percent with local communities. The amended compact restructures the Local Revenue Sharing Board, expanding it from three to six members.

"The amended compact will help create new jobs, new economic opportunities and new revenues for the tribe, local community and the state," Chairwoman Laura Spurr said in a press release.

The tribe and the state already submitted the amended compact to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. They said the agreement was approved and will become effective once a notice is published in the Federal Register.

The changes bring the Nottawaseppi Huron agreement in line with other tribal-state gaming compacts.

Get the Story:
Governor amends gaming compact for tribe’s new FireKeepers Casino (Crain's Detroit 9/14)
FireKeepers Casino to pay less to state (The Kalamazoo Gazette 9/15)
Casino deal reached (The Battle Creek Enquirer 9/15)