Judge promises a ruling 'soon' in Bay Mills off-reservation suit

Thursday, March 24, 2011  

A federal judge heard arguments on Wednesday in a lawsuit aimed at closing the Bay Mills Indian Community off-reservation casino.

Judge Paul Maloney didn't make a ruling but he promised one "soon," according to news reports. A decision could come as early as next week.

The tribe opened the casino in November 2010. It's located on land that hasn't been placed in trust.

The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians and the state of Michigan say the casino is illegal under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The National Indian Gaming Commission agrees but isn't a party to the case.

The Bay Mills Indian Community raised a sovereign immunity defense to the lawsuit. The tribe says it acquired the gaming site as part of a land claim settlement.

Get the Story:
Federal judge hears arguments in Vanderbilt casino case (The Gaylord Herald Times 3/24)
Vanderbilt casino's fate in judge's hands (The Port Huron Times Herald 3/24)
Judge To Decide 'Soon' Whether Vanderbilt Casino Must Close (Interlochen Public Radio 3/23)
Judge reviews Vanderbilt casino case (Up North Live 3/23)

Related Stories:
Judge holds hearing for Bay Mills off-reservation casino case (3/23)
March 23 hearing set in Bay Mills off-reservation casino dispute (3/2)
Michigan Tribes: Bay Mills off-reservation casino flouts the law (2/25)
Editorial: Bay Mills off-reservation casino remains pipe dream (2/15)
Hearing anticipated for Bay Mills off-reservation casino litigation (1/21)
Bay Mills Indian Community opens bigger off-reservation casino (1/19)
Opinion: Off-reservation casino won't benefit Michigan community (1/17)
Editorial: Let the dust settle in battle over off-reservation casino (1/10)
Little Traverse lawsuit cites 'devastating impact' from rival casino (1/6)
Local businesses see benefit from Bay Mills off-reservation casino (1/5)