9.27.07 Detroit casinos will shut down if state partly shuts down
By ZACHARY GORCHOW
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
The Michigan Gaming Control Board voted today to halt gambling at Detroit’s three casinos if a state government shutdown occurs, preventing state inspectors from regulating the three facilities.
Richard Kalm, executive director of the control board, said if there’s no budget agreement between Gov. Jennifer Granholm and the state Legisltiare, he would issue a notice at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, ordering the three casinos to suspend gambling within 24 hours.
Indian-run casinos in Michigan are not affected by the order.
Attorneys for MotorCity, Greektown and MGM Grand Detroit, said they would need to review the order before determining how to respond, but said going to court to keep the casinos open is an option.
The attorneys told the board they see no legal athority for the state to suspend gambling, but Kalm said state law requires the presence of inspectors at the casinos to handle any alleged violations and disputes over payouts.
Budget talks involving Granholm administration officials and lawmakers from both parties were continuing at the Capitol today. But there were no signs a breakthrough was imminent.
Lawmakers are trying to hash out a solution to a potential $1.75-billion deficit in the fiscal year that begins at midnight Sunday.
By ZACHARY GORCHOW
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
The Michigan Gaming Control Board voted today to halt gambling at Detroit’s three casinos if a state government shutdown occurs, preventing state inspectors from regulating the three facilities.
Richard Kalm, executive director of the control board, said if there’s no budget agreement between Gov. Jennifer Granholm and the state Legisltiare, he would issue a notice at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, ordering the three casinos to suspend gambling within 24 hours.
Indian-run casinos in Michigan are not affected by the order.
Attorneys for MotorCity, Greektown and MGM Grand Detroit, said they would need to review the order before determining how to respond, but said going to court to keep the casinos open is an option.
The attorneys told the board they see no legal athority for the state to suspend gambling, but Kalm said state law requires the presence of inspectors at the casinos to handle any alleged violations and disputes over payouts.
Budget talks involving Granholm administration officials and lawmakers from both parties were continuing at the Capitol today. But there were no signs a breakthrough was imminent.
Lawmakers are trying to hash out a solution to a potential $1.75-billion deficit in the fiscal year that begins at midnight Sunday.
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