Michigan tribes challenge gaming compact ruling

Tuesday, March 11, 2008  

Two Michigan tribes have appealed a court decision that says they owe $44 million to the state under the tribal-state compact.

The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians and Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians stopped paying 8 percent of gaming revenues to the state in 2004. The tribes say the state-operated Keno game violates exclusivity provisions in the compact.

A judge disagreed and ordered the tribes to pay $44 million to the state. The case is now before the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.

The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, whose casino opened last August, is withholding its 8 percent payment, pending resolution of the case. Separately, the tribe is resolving a dispute over a 2 percent payment to local governments.

Get the Story:
Casino Revenue Flap May Be Resolved Soon (The Michigan City News-Dispatch 3/10)