Compacts

Tribes in Michigan continue Class III compact negotiations

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Six tribes continue to engage in Class III gaming compact negotiations with the state of Michigan.

The parties aren't saying much about the talks. But a spokesperson for Gov. Rick Snyder (R) previously indicated everything was on the table.

That could include revenue sharing and off-reservation casinos. Two of the tribes that are in negotiations -- the Bay Mills Indian Community and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians -- have sought off-reservation casinos.

“I definitely think it’s going to be at stake. I don’t know exactly how it’s going to shake out with the compacts, but certainly it’s playing a role with this,” Zeke Fletcher, an attorney who isn't involved in the talks, told MLive.

The other tribes in negotiations are the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, the Hannahville Indian Community, the Lac Vieux Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians and the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe.

The compacts expire on November 30 but the state said the tribes won't have to shut down their casinos of the deadline passes without a new agreement.

Get the Story:
Michigan casino update: State, tribes in negotiations on revenue sharing, off-reservation gaming (MLive 11/27)