The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community shared another $1.48 million in gaming revenues with local and state governments in Michigan.
Twice a year, the tribe shares 2 percent of its slot machine net win with local governments. The payment for the second half of totaled $296,32.05, according to a press release posted on Michigan Gaming News. The tribe also shares 8 percent with the state. The amount totaled nearly $1.19 million. The payments are derived from revenues at the tribe's two Ojibwa Casino facilities, both of which are undergoing expansions. "Despite the cold, progress continues and the new building is expanding!" a December 11 post on Facebook about the work in Marquette reads. The other casino is located in Baraga. Expansion work there temporarily closed down the gaming floor and a restaurant, according to a December 5 post. "Construction proceeds at our Baraga Property, even in the frigid temperatures and recent snow!" a December 3 post read. Phase one at Marquette includes a larger gaming floor, two dining options and a 1,200-seat entertainment venue. The casino in Baraga will see numerous renovations and upgrades to the property in the first phase. According to the July 2018 issue of Wiikwedong Dazhi-Ojibwe, the tribe's newsletter, the first phase of the expansion at the casino in Marquette will cost nearly $36 million. The first phase in Baraga will cost $3.2 million.