While construction of a new Casino in Fruitport Township has been in the works for nearly a decade, the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, Saginaw Chippewa Indians and the Gun Lake Tribe have voiced their opposition to the build.
The three tribes, whom all operate their own respective casinos, claim the new casino that would be operated by the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, would violate a signed agreement that limits one casino per tribe. With the Little River Band already operating a casino up north in Manistee, the three tribes argue that the new Fruitport Casino would be a breach of trust.
James Nye is the spokesman for the opposing tribes. He says “greed” is motivating the Little River Band’s desire for a second casino, while the new gaming house would cut into the other tribe’s profits.
“The bigger problem, and the bigger picture here, is that it does not only hurt the tribes, it hurts thousands of people who are non-tribal members,” Nye said. “Unfortunately if you are looking at double digit losses that would also be accompanied by a reduction in the number of people who could be hired at those casinos. So it may provide a benefit to the Fruitport Township area, but it will come at the expense of the other three tribal communities.”
Larry Romanelli is the Chief of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. He says the opposition is “shameful.”
“You know they are blowing this stuff way out of proportion,” Romanelli said. “Will it impact their casinos? Yes it will. Their casinos impact ours. It’s called ‘competition.’ They don’t want competition is what it really boils down to.”
Former Governor Rick Snyder signed an amendment to the one casino per tribe written agreement before leaving office, paving the way for the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians to move forward in Muskegon County. The federal land trust application comment period ends in Mid-April.
