Casino denied for Michigan tribe

The Sault St. Marie tribe of the Chippewa Indians request to operate a new casino in Michigan has been rejected by the Gaming Commission.

US.- The new Kewadin Lansing Casino won’t see the light of day -at least for now- as the Michigan Gaming Commission has rejected the Sault St. Marie tribe request to operate the new venue. The tribe plans to build the US$245 million casino that would feature 3,000 slot machines, 48 table games, and would include bars and restaurants for guests.

The US Department of Interior (DOI) has denied the tribe’s two-years-old proposition requesting the building of the complex, as reported by Innovate Gaming. Late in 2016, the attorney of the tribe showed his concerns on the delay of the decision process, specially in case it slid past the office change -which it did- since it would imply further delays. The federal officials say the proposal doesn’t include an explanation on how it would improve the Sault St. Marie’s lands and that’s why it hasn’t been approved yet.

Tribe’s Chairman Aaron Payment said the community of the tribe “will make everything they possibly can to change federal official’s mind and make them give the nod to the Kewadin Lansing Casino.” Nonetheless, tribe members are still disappointed of the DOI decision to refuse their mandatory trust land petitions as they think the government “didn’t think it through.”