Parties due back in court over Bay Mills off-reservation casino

Wednesday, August 3, 2011  

The Bay Mills Indian Community of Michigan will be back in court next Tuesday, August 9, in a lawsuit over its off-reservation casino.

The state of Michigan and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians are suing the Bay Mills Indian Community. They say the off-reservation casino is illegal under the tribal-state Class III gaming compact and the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

A federal judge ordered the casino to close. The Bay Mills Indian Community has appealed and has raised a sovereign immunity defense.

In response, the state of Michigan and the Little Traverse Bay Bands amended their complaints. They say the gaming compact and IGRA waived immunity for the Bay Mills Indian Community.

The state also wants to add individual tribal leaders and members of the tribal gaming commission as defendants.

Get the Story:
Bay Mills Casino Controversy Continues (9&10 News 8/3)

6th Circuit Decision:
Michigan v. Bay Mills Indian Community (June 29, 2011)

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

Related Stories:
IPR: Appeals court won't reopen Bay Mills off-reservation casino (7/6)Bay Mills off-reservation casino will stay closed pending appeal (7/1)
Column: Off-reservation casino battle shifts to appeals court (6/20)
Judge won't issue stay for Bay Mills off-reservation casino (4/15)
Column: Bay Mills Indian Community ready to battle for casino (4/4)