The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians said its gaming enterprise contributed an extra $35 million to the economy in Michigan last year.
The tribe shared nearly $7 million in gaming revenues with local communities in 2012. The additional $35 million came from direct spending on vendors, grants, donations and other community programs. "We felt it was important to make additional investments in the communities of Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana through our Pokagon Fund and other direct donations to various charitable causes and events," Chairman Matt Wesaw said in a press release. "The Pokagon Band also makes it a priority to support local vendors and hire locally for our gaming operations and other ventures. Throughout the year, we have also worked to improve the environment through initiatives including our water quality program and our wetlands reserve program." The tribe operates the Four Winds Casino Resort and the Four Winds Hartford Casino. A third facility is due to open this year. Get the Story: