Supreme Court delays Bay Mills off-reservation casino case

Monday, June 17, 2013

Bay Mills Indian Community casino in Vanderbilt, Michigan. Photo © Bay Mills News

The U.S. Supreme Court did not take action today on an off-reservation gaming dispute involving the Bay Mills Indian Community of Michigan.

The petition was considered at a closed-door conference on Friday, according to Docket Sheet No. 12-515. That usually means an announcement in the following week but the case was not listed in today's order list.

The tribe opened a casino on land that was acquired in connection with a land claim settlement. A federal judge ordered the tribe to close the facility but the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals lifted the injunction in a decision on August 15, 2012.

The tribe has not reopened the casino. Nevertheless, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette wants the Supreme Court to hear the case.

The Department of Justice urged the court not to accept Michigan's petition. The brief points out that the casino site has not been placed in trust. Related Stories:
Supreme Court to take up petition in Bay Mills gaming dispute (06/04)