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Whitmer is referring to an Oct. 12 deadline for the federal government to recognize the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians as a tribe. The tribe could also get the recognition it seeks, but just opt not to use the land for a land-based casino. Should they receive recognition, they would be entitled to build a casino on their lands should they choose. The six-month extension is the final delay before Whitmer needs to make a final decision by June 16, 2022. Another $53 million would support the Little River Band, providing funds for tribal government programs and services. Federal officials estimate the casino would generate $184 million in its first year, increasing to $206 million by year five. Annual taxes would be roughly $15 million for the state and $3 million for six local governments.
This Thursday marks the deadline for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to approve a new compact with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians to build an off-reservation casino in Fruitport Township. “Our administration is continuing to review the proposal,” Bobby Leddy, the governor’s press secretary, said in an email to MLive Thursday. Due to the global pandemic – Corona Virus – Covid 19 most casinos have changed their opening times or even closed. For accuracy, we urge all visitors to get up-to-date information directly from the casinos since changes are taking place everyday. In early 2021, after receiving the necessary federal approvals for its planned Muskegon County casino, the Little River Band of Indians will need Michigan Gov. High rollers, luxury casinos and hotels plus a rich heritage make Macau one of the world’s premiere gaming destinations. The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians received approval last month from the U.S.
Muskegon County Casino Killed by Whitmer
Those hoping for the addition of a new retail casino in the Muskegon area know June 16 is a big day. The Little River Band wants to construct a 149,000-square-foot casino and 220-room hotel on 60 acres at the former Great Lakes Downs horse racetrack site. If you think you or someone you know may have a problem with gambling, visit GamCare for support. Visit the Lakeshore Casino & Resort information page for more details on this casino, or click here to make hotel reservations.
Federally recognized tribes are given access to services through the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Included in that are health care, real estate services, educational services, and more. They are ready to start building as soon as they’re given permission. The outcome that the Little River tribe has been pushing for for over a decade is the one that appears most logical for a 27th retail casino.
Muskegon Heights Public Schools: Commitment to Partnership and Responsible Transition Post
It was federally approved a year and a half ago, but the high socio-economic anticipation has been a tidal wave of ups and downs as they have experienced set backs every step of the way. “With this decision now made, the Grand River Bands will finalize our federal recognition with the potential of pursuing economic development activities in the Muskegon area,” Chairman Ron Yob said. The governor had recently failed to persuade Interior Secretary Debra Haaland to quickly issue a preliminary ruling on the request of the Grand River Bands’ request for acknowledgment instead of waiting until the fall. That tribe, Whitmer said, may wish to open its own casino on tribal lands not far from Fruitport Township. Alternatively, she had asked for an extension until after the department decides whether to recognize the tribe.
- She was pressing the Department of Interior to make a judgement on Grand River Bands prior to Oct. 12, or give her a longer extension.
- If approved, the proposed Lakeshore Casino and Resort will be built on a former racetrack site in Fruitport Township.
- Governor Gretchen Whitmer has rejected the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians’ proposal for a $180m casino.
- His favorite sports to gamble on are football, basketball, baseball and Formula 1.
- Always keeping busy, Ellis also has over 10 years of experience in covering sports betting, handling all major sports.
- Plus, all the investment in the community to build the casino and other businesses that would benefit from the casino’s existence.
Only casinos with slot machines are shown, poker rooms and racetracks are not shown. There are a total of 5 casinos along the I-96 Interstate Highway in Michigan. Select the casino name for full address to plug into your mobile GPS. Michigan has reached its maximum of retail casino licenses, so if a new casino was built, it would need to be approved for a vacant license. If Grand River Bans is awarded status as a tribe by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the State of Michigan could grant another retail operator license to that tribe if a casino plan was approved. Unfortunately, it looks like we’re going to have to wait a bit longer, as the governor formally requested a six-month extension, pushing the deadline to June 16, 2022. The Grand River Bands, which has sought federal recognition for nearly 30 years, applauded the governor’s “thoughtfulness” and “due diligence.”
