The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians is planning to proceed with its project for the construction of a gambling venue in Mackinaw City, even though the village board rejected the proposal last week.
Mackinaw City officials voted 4-3 against the establishment of a Class III casino in the village. According to them, a facility of this kind was not the right fit for their village. However, local media reported that the tribe is determined to build a Class II gambling venue on Nicolet Street instead. Under the current casino regulations, the construction of a Class III facility requires an approval from the officials of the place where the said facility is to be located.
If the village board had approved the launch of a Class III casino, the tribe would have contributed 2% of its revenue to Mackinaw City and 6% to Michigan.
However, if the tribe eventually opens a Class II gambling venue, it will not need to share a portion of its gaming revenue neither with the village, nor with the state. What is more, the property does not need to be approved by the village board.
Eric McLester, General Manager of Odawa Casino, said that they will keep on being a good neighbor to the Mackinaw City. The official further noted that they are extremely excited to move forward with their project, even though they consider it a bit unfortunate that they were not offered the necessary support for a Class III gaming facility, which would have been beneficial for the tribe, the village, and the state as a whole.
It was also revealed that construction works on the casino are expected to commence some time next month.
Under a five-year development plan, the tribe is to build its venue at the site of the former Thunderfalls Water Park. The casino is expected to feature 64 gaming machines at first. An RV park is to be developed in 2017. The gambling venue would be turned into a 200-machine one in 2018. More machines may be added in the years to come. However, tribal officials said that the plan could be carried out completely only if the casino becomes a popular gambling destination.
