"After a decade-long struggle, Port Huron's dream of landing a casino on the city's waterfront just went up in smoke again. Or did it? The Bay Mills Indian Community and casino developer Mike Malik were quick to say not so fast.

In another kick in the gut to the city of Port Huron, Chief U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney ruled Tuesday against Bay Mills. He granted the preliminary injunction the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians filed against Bay Mills' gambling operation they opened in early November in Vanderbilt. By noon Tuesday, the casino was locked.

Backing the Odawas was a support brief filed by the Michigan Attorney General's Office.

Apparently, all the street talk in River City about a special deal cut with the attorney general to permit a casino in Port Huron was just that. The state again turned its back on us.

While Port Huron's proposed casino is not part of the current court battle, it is understood that no Vanderbilt casino means no Port Huron casino. The reason: The legal theory for opening the Vanderbilt casino is the basis for moving ahead with an initial casino in the old post office at Desmond Landing in downtown Port Huron."

Get the Story:
Cliff Schrader: Bay Mills, Port Huron down, but not out in casino quest (The Port Huron Times Herald 4/1)

District Court Decision:
Michigan v. Bay Mills Indian Community (March 29, 2011)

Related Stories:
Bay Mills Indian Community to appeal decision against casino (3/31)
Editorial: Don't give up on Bay Mills off-reservation casino bid (3/31)
Bay Mills Indian Community closes its off-reservation casino (3/30)
Judge orders Bay Mills to stop running off-reservation casino (3/29)
Judge promises a ruling 'soon' in Bay Mills off-reservation suit (3/24)
Judge holds hearing for Bay Mills off-reservation casino case (3/23)
March 23 hearing set in Bay Mills off-reservation casino dispute (3/2)
Michigan Tribes: Bay Mills off-reservation casino flouts the law (2/25)
Editorial: Bay Mills off-reservation casino remains pipe dream (2/15)
Hearing anticipated for Bay Mills off-reservation casino litigation (1/21)
Bay Mills Indian Community opens bigger off-reservation casino (1/19)
Opinion: Off-reservation casino won't benefit Michigan community (1/17)
Editorial: Let the dust settle in battle over off-reservation casino (1/10)
Little Traverse lawsuit cites 'devastating impact' from rival casino (1/6)
Local businesses see benefit from Bay Mills off-reservation casino (1/5)