Leaders of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi present an $18.1 million revenue sharing payment to the state of Michigan on February 26, 2018. Another check of $5.6 million to local governments brought the tribe's total for 2017 to $23.7 million. Photo: NHBPI

Casino Stalker

Nottawaseppi Huron Band sets another record with revenues in Michigan

Monday, February 26, 2018

The gaming business continues to be good for the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi and, by extension, for the state of Michigan and local governments.

The tribe on Monday announced revenues sharing payments from the FireKeepers Casino of $23.7 million, the highest to date. Of that amount, $18.1 million went to the state of Michigan and $5.6 million went to local governments.

“The leadership and tribal members of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi are proud to honor our agreements and create a positive impact to the state of Michigan and our local revenue sharing board and we are pleased with the growth displayed at FireKeepers Casino Hotel,” Chairman Jamie Stuck said in a press release.

The state's share represented an increase of 5.84 percent over last year's payment, the tribe said. The local share grew by 4.62 percent.

The tribe contributes 2 percent of net win from Class III games to the FireKeepers Local Revenue Sharing Board. The money goes to communities affected by the casino, which opened in August 2009.

The state's share ranges from 4 percent to 8 percent of net Class III win. The amount depends on the revenues taken in at FireKeepers.

Since 2009, the tribe has shared nearly $168.5 million from the casino. Of that amount, $125.2 million has gone to the state and $43.2 million to the local revenue sharing board.

Under an amendment to the Class III gaming compact between the tribe and the state, up to $500,000 a year from the state's share goes to the new Michigan Native American Heritage Fund. The money will be used to promote tribal culture and history, with grants available for local governments and educational institutions.