Wayland Casino Clears Final Hurdle, Sturgis Casino to Follow?

The Gun Lake Tribe has now cleared the final hurdle to construct their own casino at the Wayland exit along US-131 in Allegan County.

Late Wednesday morning on a voice vote, the Michigan Senate approved the compact.

Tribal spokesman James Nye says the house approved the resolution in 2007 after the governor signed it.

"Now the work begins, but the work that we've wanted to begin for many years," Nye said.

The state will get 8% of the profits from slot machines for the first 150-million, 10% for the next 150-million and 12% for everything after that. Nye says 2% will be shared with local governments.

"Right now the tribe pays Wayland Township $30,000 a year in property taxes. Under the 2% revenue sharing, the number is projected to go up at least $3 million during the first full year of operation," Nye said.

The Gun Lake tribe will be permitted, with the compact, to run regular slots and a full array of Las Vegas style table games.

A groundbreaking date has not been set, but could come soon.

For the complete story, please see Gun Lake Way Cleared for Casino; Stugis Casino Future Unclear, WKZO News, February 12, 2009.