Governor And A.G. Oppose Plan To Open Casino In Lansing

DETROIT (WWJ) - Governor Rick Snyder and attorney general Bill Schuette are opposing plans to open a Lansing casino that would be operated by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

During a stop in Detroit Monday, Snyder talked about why he opposes a casino in Lansing:

"As a practical matter, you get the whole issue of casinos in general. At this point, we've got a number of casinos around the area and just the whole methodology of how they would treat that as tribal land, (I) have some serious questions," said Snyder.

Snyder and Schuette jointly sent a letter to the tribe last week saying they believe the proposed casino would be "inconsistent with state and federal law" and would violate the tribe's gambling compact with the state.

The letter said the state would take "whatever steps are necessary" to prevent the casino from opening.

A tribe spokesman says that the tribe disagrees with the state's legal position and will continue to pursue its legal rights.