October 10, 2018
Detroit, Oct. 10, 2018 - Native American tribes sent $29.9 million in gaming-related payments to local governments and revenue sharing boards in Michigan during fiscal year 2017, according to a report published by the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians distributed $6.1 million in payments, which was the largest amount disbursed by any of the dozen tribes. The second and third largest total revenue-sharing payments were made by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, $5.8 million, and the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Pottawatomi Indians, $5.6 million.
The largest revenue-sharing payments of $1 million or more went to three public school districts:
Overall, revenue sharing was up 2.2 percent from fiscal year 2016, which indicates a general increase in the tribes’ net win from slot machines.
The report, Receipts and Distribution of Indian Casino Revenue by Local Revenue Sharing Boards, includes revenue sharing distributions for each tribe to the local communities. As required by Public Act 107 of 2017, the MGCB prepares the report annually.
Tribal gaming compacts with the state of Michigan and associated federal court consent judgments require payments to local governments or revenue sharing boards. The revenue sharing amount equals 2 percent of the tribal casinos’ net win from slot machines.
Data was provided by the tribes and the seven local revenue sharing boards in Allegan, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Emmet, Manistee and Van Buren counties. The tribes follow different fiscal calendars and payment periods.
The tribes are:
Since 1994, Native American tribes operating casinos in Michigan have paid more than $467 million in revenue sharing payments to local units of government and revenue sharing boards.
"The Michigan Gaming Control Board shall ensure the conduct of fair and honest gaming to protect the interests of the citizens of the State of Michigan."
