City threatens to close Fond du Lac Band casino over dispute

Wednesday, November 30, 2011  

The mayor of Duluth, Minnesota, says the city might close the casino owned by the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians.

The tribe won a decision in federal court that said revenue sharing provisions of its agreement with the city are invalid under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The tribe paid 19 percent of gross revenues from the Fond-du-Luth Casino to the city for 25 years, an amount that came to about $80 million.

Now Mayor Don Ness says the entire agreement could be invalid. He claims a provision requires the casino building to revert to the city, so gaming wouldn't be allowed.

"If the city is the lease holder of the structure there obviously can't be any gaming because the city can't game," Ness told Northland's News Center.

Chairwoman Karen Driver disputed the claim. She said the court decision only addressed revenue sharing.

Get the Story:
Possible Closure on the Horizon for Fond du Luth Casino (Northland's News Center 11/30)

Court Documents:
City of Duluth v. Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians (Turtle Talk)

Related Stories:
MPR: Fond du Lac Band wins ruling in gaming agreement case (11/22)
MPR: Millions at stake in battle over Fond du Lac gaming deal (9/1)
City spends $1M on gaming lawsuit against Fond du Lac Band (8/30)
Fond du Lac Band back in court for disputed casino agreement (8/29)
NIGC issues NOV on 1994 Fond du Lac Band gaming agreement (7/13)