Jamul Band ends long relationship with Lakes Entertainment

Tuesday, March 13, 2012  

After 13 years and nearly $58 million, the Jamul Indian Village of California and Lakes Entertainment have called it quits.

The tribe began working with Lakes in 1999. Plans called for a large casino resort on the reservation but that never happened amid local opposition.

The tribe is now looking to build a much smaller facility. A meeting will be held this week to inform the community.

“Jamul Indian Village expresses its gratitude to Lakes Entertainment for its involvement in various aspects of development efforts since 1999,” Chairman Raymond Hunter said in a press release. “We look forward to proceeding with our efforts to strengthen the economic base of the tribe and the region, consistent with the character of the Jamul area and respectful of the local processes inherent to this goal.”

The tribe remains on the hook for about $57.2 million that it received from Lakes. The company said it doesn't expect to be repaid unless the tribe opens a casino.

“We believe that the Jamul Indian Village casino project continues to have great merit," Lakes President and Chief Financial Officer Tim Cope said in a press release. "However, this project does not fit with our current business plan for the future of Lakes. We wish the Jamul Tribe much success with its continued progress toward development of their casino project.”

Lakes said it will retain collateral in any future casino opened by the tribe.

Get the Story:
Press Release: Jamul Indian Village Moves Forward with Revised Gaming Development (Jamul Indian Village 3/13)
Press Release: Lakes Entertainment Announces Termination Of Jamul Agreement (Lakes Entertainment 3/13)

Related Stories:
Editorial: Long fight expected over Jamul Band casino plans (2/21)