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During the summer break of the Michigan legislature, there is limited news regarding the gaming industry in the state. After experiencing a month of overall revenue growth, Detroit casinos are now getting ready for their traditionally sluggish period of the year.
Despite that, our feed managed to receive some intriguing news, encompassing casino updates, drumlins, and long-standing legal disputes.
Stay informed with these four news stories from Michigan.
1. Sage Run, a brand-new Michigan golf course, is formed around glaciers
As part of the $8 million renovation project at Island Resort and Casino, Sage Run was skillfully crafted by renowned golf course designer, Paul Albanese. Throughout the course’s design process, Albanese successfully introduced golf enthusiasts to the captivating beauty of drumlins, which are expansive ridges naturally shaped by ancient glaciers.
Albanese provided an interview to the Daily Herald regarding the new term.
Drumlins are not found everywhere, particularly in the South, but they are a fantastic landform for golf. They provide elevation changes and are typically situated above flatter terrain. Resembling an inverted spoon, drumlins contribute significantly to the overall character of a golf course.
Albanese was granted permission by the Potawatomi Tribe to select from numerous acres for constructing the golf course. Recognizing the distinctiveness of a drumlin, he believed its inclusion would enhance the golf course and create a truly unforgettable experience.
2. Two is better than one at FireKeepers Casino
The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi holds the belief that increasing the presence of positive elements will enhance the attraction towards their community.
On August 27, the Tribe made an announcement regarding the expansion of FireKeepers Casino Hotel in southern Michigan, which will involve the addition of a second tower.
The hotel, which has been in operation for six years, features a towering structure with 243 rooms, experiencing an impressive 95 percent occupancy rate. Additionally, the casino within the premises offers a vast array of entertainment with 3,000 slot machines, 70 table games, and an enticing poker room, making it a major draw for the surrounding area.
The Tribe is optimistic that the newly constructed rooms will draw in bigger casinos, increase local meetings, and attract casino players from all across the region.
3. Bay Mills Indian Community heads back to court over Vanderbilt Casino
Bay Mills Indian Community acquired land in November 2010 using funds received through the Michigan Indian Land Claims Settlement Act (MILCSA). The purchased lands are categorized as “Indian lands,” and Bay Mills proceeded to establish a casino on the property based on this understanding.
The State of Michigan expressed its disagreement with the Tribe’s utilization of the lands, leading to legal action and ultimately resulting in the casino’s closure. Michigan acknowledges the presence of 12 Tribes within its borders, and among them, five have not established a casino beyond their original territories.
The legal dispute regarding the delineation of Tribal lands has persisted for more than ten years. Just recently, the state and Bay Mills found themselves back in the courtroom yet again.
According to The Sault News, both parties involved in the case are awaiting the court’s decision on the state’s motion of summary judgment, which was filed based on the law.
4. Big jackpots and big jackpot winners
The Mega Millions prize has reached an astounding $152 million, while Michigan’s Fantasy 5 recently awarded its biggest jackpot ever.
On August 12, a resident of Genesee County, aged 58, experienced a stroke of luck winning a staggering $894,666 by successfully matching all five numbers. Opting to maintain his privacy, the gentleman decided to remain anonymous when collecting his well-deserved reward. The winning ticket was purchased at a convenience store located on East Hill Road in Grand Blanc.
The fortunate individual who won the lottery expressed their thoughts about their victory to the Detroit Free Press.
Upon the jackpot reaching the $500,000 mark, an instinctual voice urged me to participate, assuring me of an impending victory. Trusting this intuition, I began purchasing tickets, and as it turned out, my belief was justified.
5. Sports betting talks continue
The start of football season is approaching, and it is expected that the discussions surrounding sports betting headlines, daily fantasy sports picks, and revenue will contribute to the ongoing legal conversation.
Rep. Brandt Iden has his sights set on legalizing sports betting as the Michigan legislature prepares to resume their work.
