Entity bankrolling Long Island casino plan goes by several different names

William D. Serwer, a partner with law firm of Ehrlich, Foley & Serwer, has formed and represents various casino funding and development affiliates of Marian Ilitch and her partner Michael J. Malik, Sr.

Serwer filed Articles of Organization for Empire Ventures, LLC on 9.11.03. An amendment was filed on 10.16.03 to reflect changing the name to Empire Associates, LLC. Yet another amendment was filed on 2.04.04 to reflect the name had been changed once again to Gateway Casino Resorts, LLC.

Michigan-based Gateway Casino Resorts, LLC is reportedly bankrolling and spearheading efforts to get federal recognition for the Shinnecock Indian Nation of New York and plans to develop and manage a casino project for the Shinnecock tribe in The Hamptons resort area on Long Island.

Serwer filed Articles of Incorporation for Empire Manager, Inc. on 10.18.03. Then an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation was filed 2.04.04 to reflect that entity’s name had been changed to Gateway Manager, Inc.

Gateway Manager Inc.'s annual corporate statement filed 4.01.04 reveals that entity “acts as Manager of Gateway Casino Resorts, L.L.C.” That filing discloses that Michael J. Malik, Sr. and Marian Ilitch are co-Presidents of Gateway Manager, Inc. In addition, Malik serves as the corporation’s Secretary and Ilitch serves as its Treasurer.

Articles of Organization were also filed by Serwer on 3.04.04 for Gateway Funding Associates LLC, which is assumed to be affiliated with Gateway Casino Resorts; likely an entity syndicating financial shares in Gateway Casino Resorts.

Serwer filed Articles of Organization for another possible affiliated entity, Gateway Holdings, LLC, on 6.15.04.

These are just several of the scores of affiliates organized and controlled by Marian Ilitch, the Ilitch family and Michael J. Malik, Sr. (See more comprehensive list)