Litigation

MPR: Millions at stake in battle over Fond du Lac gaming deal

Thursday, September 1, 2011

"A long-running and contentious dispute between the city of Duluth and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is back in federal court, where a judge could determine if a revenue-sharing agreement is legal.

The legal battle is over tens of millions of dollars in casino revenue the Band once agreed to share with the financially struggling city.

In a one-of-a-kind arrangement in 1994, the downtown casino signed a contract that gives Duluth 19 percent of gross revenue from slot machines — about $6 million a year. City officials use the money to maintain city streets.

Fond du Lac Chairwoman Karen Diver said the city has received way too much, and the Band doesn't owe it a penny more.

"To date the city has gotten over $80 million," she said. "I would think that the tab is clear.""

Get the Story:
Tens of millions at stake in spat between Duluth, casino (Minnesota Public Radio 8/31)

Also Today:
Fond du Lac Band Asks Court to Take Back Consent On Casino Contract with City (Northland's News Center 8/31)

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