An analysis of lobbying records available through opensecrets.org and the U.S. Senate Office of Public Records, three “poor, impoverished” Indian tribes and, or more likely, their casino “investors” have spent $5.6 million lobbying Capitol Hill and federal regulators primarily to approve measures intended to allow off-reservation casinos in Port Huron (MI), Barstow (CA) and Long Island (NY). Complete Breakdown.
Tribe (& Detroit Partners)* | Total Lobbying Payments |
Bay Mills Indian Community (w/ Blue Water Resorts + MJM Enterprises & Development) Port Huron, MI | $2,805,000 |
Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians (w/ Barwest) Barstow, CA | $180,000 |
Shinnecock Indian Nation (w/Gateway Casino Resorts) Long Island, NY | $2,335,000 |
* Does not include Little River Band of Ottawa Indians
These “investors” bankrolling and driving the bids for off-reservation gambling halls are part of several investment syndicates and managers organized by Detroiters Michael Malik and Marian Ilitch. Their casino syndicates have previously included the likes of Las Vegas-based MGM Mirage and Mandalay Resorts.
Malik is a controversial casino investor who has failed to win approval for a gambling license in his home state of Michigan and has a track record of violating political campaign finance laws and hiring shady Capitol Hill lobbyists.
Mrs. Ilitch bought controlling interest in Detroit’s MotorCity Casino from Las Vegas-based Mandalay Resorts/Mirage in 2005 and which has since seen its credit ratings drop; and along with her husband Mike Ilitch, she co-founded the Little Caesars pizza chain. They own the Detroit Red Wings hockey franchise. Mr. Ilitch owns the Detroit Tigers baseball team. These and most other Ilitch family affiliates are under the Ilitch Holdings, Inc., umbrella.
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