Reader Explains Why Shinnecock Won't Build a Casino at Belmont Park Race Track

from "Comments" responding to the 12.14.2011 Southampton Press article titled "Discord Erupts Over Shinnecock Vote On Casino Partner's Future:"

By Walt

There is no way the Shinnecock will get a casino at Belmont Park. It doesn't matter what any local officials say; only New York State can permit this to happen. Right now, Resorts World New York City, located at Aqueduct, is regulated by New York State. The agreement with them gives a 30 mile exclusivity clause. I believe Belmont Park is only a few miles from Aqueduct. Secondly, facilities like Resorts World regulated by the state give almost double the profits back to the state than any of the Native American casinos. The state is also moving to make table games legal, and the facility at Aqueduct will be one of the first ones to get table games. Looks like the Shinnecock will have to settle for a location in Suffolk County!

This group is asking for double the management fees from what they would get at other casinos. If they are like the Mohawk casino near the border with Canada, the natives won't be getting the job they expect and will have a token say in how things are run. It is evident that tribal trustees are profiting by having salaries paid to them over the past ten years, salaries for what? For selling out the interests of their tribal members for their own personal interest. These tribal leaders should be in jail! Tribal members would be smart to vote no and kill this agreement, and secondly to elect a new tribal council who has your interests at heart!

It is evident

Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Details Plans for 2012; Native Roll, Restoration of Lands Top List

A gathering Wednesday, December 14, 2011, drew hundreds to St. Andrew's Cathedral in Honolulu to hear the Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ (OHA) plans for 2012. The agency hopes to celebrate the goals as accomplishments one year from now.

Click arrow below to view video here

OHA Chair urges unity
12.14.2011

By Jim Mendoza

"I stand here in front of you asking all of you to lay your weapons down. Lay your spears down and embrace with aloha," OHA chairperson Colette Machado said.

In her speech on the State of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Machado pointed to next year as a pivotal one for settling the dispute over ceded lands, now that Gov. Neil Abercrombie wants to give OHA 25 acres along the Kakaako waterfront.

"We must always be protective of the open space along the shoreline," she said. "I will support an open corridor for public access so people will have access to the area to gather as ohana, and to use that area to fish and also to bodysurf."

The deal needs legislative approval. Lawmakers plan to question how deep OHA searched for alternatives to the Abercrombie proposal, and if it could open the state to lawsuits.

"Once they explain that to us I think we'll get a better idea about where we want to go," said Sen. Brickwood Galuteria, chair of the Senate Hawaiian Affairs Committee.

"Hawaiians are no dummy when it comes to real estate. Land is our greatest asset. We know the value and situation of that place in particular," native Hawaiian political advisor Kealii Makekau said.

Former Gov. John D. Waihee is
Chair, Native Hawaiian Roll Commission

OHA will also concentrate on the Roll Call Commission, created to compile a list of native Hawaiians interested in self-determination.

"Our primary imperative as a commission is to re-unify the sovereign entity of native Hawaiians one by one, by the thousands," commission chair John Waihee said.

But some advocates for native Hawaiian sovereignty said the call for unity doesn't go far enough.

"We need to stand the nation back up again as an independent nation, not as a sub-group of the United States," said Leon Siu, of an organization called The Hawaiian Kingdom.

Distrust and Suspicion of Detroiter Michael Malik Cause Tribe to Reject Casino Syndicator, New Contract

Shinnecock Reject Casino Partner Contract on Thursday

12.15.2011

By Michael Wright

In a tribal referendum on Thursday, a majority of the members of the Shinnecock Indian Nation voted against authorizing the tribe’s leaders to sign a new contract with the Detroit casino developer who has been bankrolling their years-long push to open a casino in the New York metropolitan area.

Vote totals from balloting are not yet available, but the casino developer, Gateway Casino Resorts, acknowledged the results and said it will respect the decision of the tribe’s membership.

“While we are of course disappointed in the vote to not move forward at this time with revised business agreements, which followed well over a year of negotiations and months of tribal meetings, we do respect the decision of tribal members to have further review and discussions of the new deal points,” a statement issued by an attorney for Gateway Casino Resorts co-owner Michael Malik on Thursday evening read. “We look forward to concluding that process. We have stood by the Shinnecock Indian Nation for the last eight years, and will continue to do so and support its quest for economic justice.”

The vote went forward on Thursday over the objections of the Tribal Council, which said the three Tribal Trustees were forcing the vote on the rest of the tribe members before they had a chance to adequately examine the contract.

The Trustees announced the vote in a letter to the entire tribe on Monday. They also urged their members to approve the contract so that the casino effort could continue.

The partnership with Mr. Malik, who has spent millions on legal battles and salaries for some two dozen tribe members, has been the subject of much suspicion and distrust among some members of the tribe and the catalyst for open discord at recent tribal meetings. The contract the tribe was being asked to approve was drafted by Gateway representatives and the five members of the tribal Gaming Authority.

There are approximately 1,200 members of the tribe, of which approximately 650 live on the tribe’s Shinnecock Neck reservation just outside Southampton Village.

See also:

• What They Won't Tell You: Insights on Gateway Casino Resorts, its Detroit Organizers and Their Plans for Shinnecock Casinos
• Why is Detroiter Mike Malik Dragging former Hawaii Governor Waihee around Long Island, NY?
• Strange Bedfellows: Hawaii's Former Governor & Detroit's Gambling Promoter?
• Disclosure? And their tangled web: Detroiter Michael Malik, the Jack Utsick Ponzi Scheme, Shinnecock & Bay Mills Indians, and Akerman Senterfitt
• Michael Malik: The Latest Life & Times of a Detroit Casino Syndicator
• Controversy seems to always follow Detroit Casino Syndicator Michael Malik 

Did the Honolulu Star-Advertiser Purge Comments Exposing Pro-Gambling Front Group? Why Didn't Seasoned Political Reporter Investigate Further?

On July 24, 2011, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser ran a story entitled "Entrepreneurs get rolling on Waikiki casino idea," by Richard Borreca whose pieces on politics appear in the Star-Advertiser on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays.

Borreca wrote on the overnight emergence of the so-called "Citizens for a Better Way," a pro-gambling advocacy group for which Liz Hata Watanabe was recruited as spokesperson.

The Hawaii Free Press reports that the following was among comments originally attached to the article:

“Borreca stays in the shallow end of the pool once again. Major players? Liz is consistent: 100% track record of failure. With all of biographical info he puffed her up with, why omit an important fact -- her bankruptcy filing in June, 2011, which details her train wrecks and the $300,000 plus she stiffed her creditors for. She is a success only at self-promotion which you and others facilitate at the expense of reality. Coelho was an advisor to Mufi. More relevant was that he was the managing director for less than a year and eased over to Director of Customer Service. After three years with Salem, he is soon to be retired and moving to the Mainland. Whoever hires Radcliffe, though, gets something for the money -- newspaper space even if the stories are fantasies.”

Now consider the power of press censorship. The article as it currently appears at staradvertiser.com has been purged of that comment and any others that may have been left originally.

Is it as the writer of the comment above suggests, that Borreca lacks skills as a true investigative political reporter?  Or that Borreca or perhaps editors at the Star-Advertiser are supportive of legalized gambling?  Could it be that Borreca is a friend of lobbyist John Radcliffe?  Or that Radcliffe consistently makes himself available to Borreca?

That Borreca failed to consider how it was that Radcliffe would claim he wasn't behind Citizens for a Better Way (CFBW) and yet he was answering questions about the organization and its activities is alarming.

That the Star-Advertiser's seasoned political reporter failed to recognize it would take someone with experience and a lot more true sophistication than the likes of Hata-Watanabe to pull of the comprehensive political advertising campaign sponsored by CFBW is disturbing.  That he failed to push either Watanabe or Radcliffe on the question of who was financing their effort or investigate such further -- especially in light of Watanabe's $387,000 bankruptcy and lack of political fundraising skills.

That he never mentioned Hata-Watanabe's troubles with the Honolulu Liquor Control Commission which are well documented in the public record. That he wasn't aware of or failed to report on Watanabe's one season-wonder TV show "Hawaii's Big Deal Poker Tournament" or probe who bankrolled that venture.

Or that Hata-Watanabe's husband is a veteran officer with the Honolulu Police Department which hands down is opposed to the legalization of gambling in Hawaii. And specifically has opposed the stand-alone Waikiki casino that Watanabe and her benefactors are so eager to see approved. (See testimony by HPD Captain Jerry Inouye opposing HB 781).

Shinnecock Vote Down gaming pact with Gateway Casino Resorts, reject longtime investors Michael Malik & Marian Ilitch

Shinnecock Tribe votes down gaming pact

12.15.2011

By Mark Harrington

The Shinnecock Indian Nation Thursday voted down a gaming pact with partner Gateway Casino Resorts, a rejection of a longtime backer that has already invested millions of dollars and seven years' work in the project.

"The nation has spoken, by consensus, as it has for thousands of years, and voted today not to finalize gaming agreements with Gateway Casino Resorts," tribal trustees said in a statement Thursday night after the contentious vote.

Of the 274 votes cast, 153 opposed the pact and 121 voted for it. There are some 1,400 Shinnecock members, most of whom do not live on the reservation and were not eligible to vote.

"Gateway needs to understand that they are not going to control our tribe," said Lance Gumbs, a former tribal trustee who voted against the pact.

It's unclear whether the tribe will attempt to negotiate more favorable terms or if the two groups will go their separate ways. A spokeswoman wasn't immediately available. Beverly Jensen, a tribe spokeswoman, declined any further comment.

The Detroit company has financed the tribe's federal recognition efforts in exchange for a casino partnership.

The contracts gave the right to make vital casino decisions on the tribe's behalf to a gaming authority, and stipulate tribal "noninterference" in dealings on the projects.

Only tribal members who are 21 years or older and have lived on the reservation for the past six months were eligible to vote, said Janine Tinsley-Roe, who is on the Shinnecock tribal roll but was prevented from voting because she doesn't live there. Eligible voters were said to number a few hundred members.

Opponents of the contracts feared the tribe would giving away hard-won rights to sovereign immunity and would be locked into a financial agreement they felt was too generous to Gateway. A law firm hired by the tribal council expressed reservations with elements of the non-interference contract.

Much is at stake. The Shinnecock hope to open at least two class III casinos on Long Island, one at Belmont Park, the other in Suffolk, possibly at a former Estee Lauder warehouse in Yaphank .

The agreement with Gateway stipulates the backer will help the tribe acquire the Stony Brook-Southampton campus, and gives the company a 28 percent take of monthly casino revenue.

Recently disclosed gaming documents show conceptual drawings of a casino at Belmont and on Governors Island in Upper New York Bay, though the latter plan is said to be inactive.

Votes Are Counted & Shinnecock Nation Gives Thumbs Down to Contract with Michael Malik's Gateway Casino Resorts

Shall Shinnecock Nation Trustees sign a new contract with Michael Malik's Gateway Casino Resorts?

121 - YES

153 - NO

An intra-tribal war has been brewing on the Shinnecock Indian Nation's Long Island reservation. Members are split about their commitment to move forward and develop gambling halls in New York in partnership with controversial Detroiter Michael J. Malik, Sr. and his fellow investors. Earlier this week, Tribal Members were notified of an election that would be held today among members. 

Voters were asked to cast ballots giving a thumbs up or thumbs down on approval for the Nation's Trustees to sign a new contract with Detroit-based Gateway Casino Resorts and its co-owner Michael J. Malik, Sr..  Among other things the agreements would have governed the future development, management and operation of up to three gambling halls most likley located somewhere on New York's Long Island.In addition to paying back development costs Gateway has incurred, Malik (Gateway) would have received 28% of all revenues for a period of 7-years and have management responsibility for any casinos. (Term Sheet)

Officials of the Shinnecock Nation Gaming Authority had agreed to the Term Sheet in June but needed the full tribes backing.  The votes have been counted and Michael Malik's Gateway Casino Resorts is the loser -- for now anyway.  Given that Malik's casino syndicate has for almost a decade bankrolled millions in legal, lobbying and PR activities and spent millions more making political campaign contributions to support the Nation's efforts to secure Federal Recognition and pave the way for casino development, it's unlikely that Malik and his fellow syndicate organizer Marian Ilitch will walk away from the Shinnecock without a fight to hang onto the franchise.

How Lance Boldrey Turned a Stint in the Governor's Office Into a 10+ Year Multi-Million Dollar Engagement with Detroit Casino Syndicators

Blogger's Note: We've received several inquiries about Michigan gaming attorney R. Lance Boldrey and note an increase in the number of people visiting TheVerifiableTruth.com as part of browser searches of Boldrey's name so we're republishing this 1.08.2007 post originally titled "Aide negotiated '11th Hour' Port Huron casino deal for Gov. Engler; then joined private practice, retained by those who got the deal"

On Sunday, January 7th, the Port Huron Times Herald published an editorial, "Feds must come to aid of Port Huron," suggesting that a Bay Mills Indian Casino planned for that community might still be alive. At the very least, the following raises ethical questions and creates curious circumstances surrounding the proposed casino, deserving of investigation and disclosure.

R. Lance Boldrey joined the staff of Michigan Governor John Engler sometime in 1999 as Deputy Legal Counsel and chief negotiator for Indian Affairs matters in the Governor's third and final term.

Throughout most of Engler’s 12 years as Governor, Engler steadfastly opposed the expansion of Indian gaming... BUT in the final months, with Boldrey helming negotiations, something changed.

In September 2002, roughly three months before Engler's term would expire, the Governor was compelled to sign a land claims settlement agreement Boldrey and others had negotiated the month before with the Bay Mills Indian Community. The agreement would pave the way for a third Bay Mills Indian Community casino to be developed in the urban border town of Port Huron, 350 miles away from its Brimley, MI reservation.

On December 20, 2002, with less than two weeks remaining on his term, Gov. Engler also signed a new Tax Agreement with the Bay Mills Indian Community covering (or protecting) the Tribe, its proposed Port Huron casino and other commercial and trust properties. Presumably Boldrey played a lead role in those negtotiations as well.

Oddly enough, the so-called "land claims" made by the Bay Mills Tribe in 1996 (the threat driving any need for a Settlement Agreement at all) were never verified. Both state and federal courts tossed out the claims, at that time, on administrative grounds. This raises question about the rushed 11th hour change of policy by Engler and the need for any Settlement Agreement at all. Did the state trade a casino for land claims that weren't legitimate afterall? Were the circumstances surrounding the Settlement Agreement just a theatrical smokescreen to rationalize approval for a third Bay Mills Tribal casino in Port Huron?

But Engler knew the land claims weren't valid and that they were being used to leverage a casino because in a 1999 opinion letter published by the Record Eagle intended to set the record straight, Engler wrote:

"... I find it remarkable that Congressman Stupak would step in at this late date and join with the Bay Mills Tribe in using the Charlotte Beach homeowners as political pawns. Make no mistake about it - Congressman Stupak's proposal is solely about trying to give the Bay Mills Tribe an otherwise illegal casino..."

"... the state of Michigan has stood by these properly owners since day one, defended them in court, and won the dismissal of the Bay Mills lawsuit against the Charlotte Beach owners. I have no doubt that this dismissal will hold up on appeal ..."

R. Lance Boldrey parlayed stint in Governor's
Office into 10+ year million dollar engagement

Within weeks of Engler approving the the Settlement Agreement, Boldrey flew to Washington D.C. and eagerly represented Governor Engler before a U.S. Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearing on Capitol Hill. Backers of the Bay Mills casino were attempting to railroad congressional approvals in the closing days of the 107th Congress needed to affect terms of the Engler negotiated Agreements.

Boldrey's eagerness might partially be explained in part by the fact that in July 2002 the White House announced the President’s intention to nominate Boldrey to serve as a trustee of the Udall Foundation. The nomination wasn't sent to the Senate until January 2003 and Boldrey was confirmed in April 2003. During that 6-9 month period it was certainly in Boldrey’s interest to increase his profile in Washington D.C and exploit the credentials he’d developed during the short time he worked as Gov. Engler’s Indian Affairs agent. 

With the help of people like Boldrey, first term Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) had drafted and introduced S. 2986 as a companion to the Settlement Agreement on September 20, 2002. Less than two weeks after its introduction (usually this takes months, sometimes even more than a year), the bill was scheduled to be heard before the full Senate Indian Affairs Committee. At the October 10, 2002 hearing, as the Governor's representative, Boldrey sat beside the Bay Mills Community's elected Council President John Lufkins and together they urged the committee’s swift endorsement. It wasn't to be; Senator Harry Reid (D-NV), a leading Democrat and member of the Committee stood in their way.

Time was ticking on the Engler Administration and on the friday before the 2002 Christmas holiday, with less than 5-6 full business days left on the calendar, Governor Engler also signed a new Tax Agreement with the Bay Mills Tribe. Among other protections for the Tribe and its members, the Agreement exempted (page 9) hotel rooms, restaurant food and beverages sold as part of any casino and its adjoining resort properties from lodging taxes, sales taxes and use taxes.

Engler’s 12 year administraton came to an end on January 1, 2003 leaving Boldrey unemployed. But within weeks, Boldrey announced he was returning to private practice. He had decided to join the Lansing office of the Dykema Gossett law firm and was tasked with starting up an Indian Law Practice for the firm. A longtime Engler friend, confidant and political agent Richard D. McLellan was a senior partner in the Dykema office. The Dykema law firm had already been handling legal business matters for the MotorCity commercial casino partnership in Detroit. Ilitch, Malik and others who were founders of MotorCity Casino have been the driving force behind the third Bay Mills casino project for a decade or more.

So, Boldrey joined Dykema and before long, the Bay Mills Indian Community, its casino backers like Marian Ilitch and Michael Malik, and others whom previously had to negotiate across the table from Boldrey in his role as the Governor’s point man had retained Dykema Gossett (Boldrey & McLellan) to work on Indian law and gaming matters at prime corporate law firm rates. Boldrey's role now was to protect and advocate for their interests going forward.

What or who compelled the Governor's dramatic change of direction in the last months and days of his administration? Why this proposal instead of some other? Five years ago, those questions were swept under the carpet.

When had Boldrey decided to return to private practice? When did he open talks with Dykema? What role did Richard McLellan play in recruiting Boldrey? What involvement had McLellan had with the 11th hour negotiations with various tribes including Bay Mills? When did Boldrey's future clients learn of his career move? When did they first discuss a future working together? What relationships did he have with "Charlotte Beach" area land owners then or now? Who did he negotiate against as the Governor's representatives that paid him or Dykema after he joined Dykema?


Certainly an attorney whose credits included pulling-off a deal like this would be in high demand and command the highest of fees.

What relationships if any did Boldrey/McLellan have with attorneys Anthony Andary, Robert Golden?

With all of the other matters deserving greater urgency, why was there such a last minute push five years ago for a Settlement Agreement with Bay Mills Indians when they've yet to prove their land claims valid?

What's really at play in the "Charlotte Beach" (also referred to as "Hay Lake" by Bay Mills Tribal Council President) area referenced in the unverified land claims? The Hay Lake/Charlotte Beach locations are near impossible to find on maps in Chippewa County -- Atlas, Google, USGS, etc. or via governmental agency resources. It's only in old plat maps that one will find a reference to the "Charlotte Beach subdivision" east of the Barbeau community on Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
"Charlotte Beach" is a rather obscure place, not among those included in the USGS master place names data base nor referenced in resources available via the Department of Natural Resources at Michigan.gov; it is not noted as a town or community or any other place of significance in Michigan; other respective state and federal sources simply don't designate the 110- acre place. There are no obvious references noted by non-profit environmental or natural resource protection groups either. In fact, the only modern public documentation that references a place called "Charlotte Beach" in Michigan are documents related to the Bay Mills land claims. It is doubtful Governor Engler or anyone else for that matter had visited Charlotte Beach, Michigan to see for themselves what was going on there. One must wonder what sort of investigation was done to see who really owns land there or who has bought land since.

It just doesn't add up: a complete and documented reversal of a Governor's long held public policy stance opposing the expansion of gaming; no validated land claims, yet a signed Land Claims Settlement Agreement; two existing casinos already, just not in prime urban locations; an 11th hour Tax Agrement too; 110 acres of land in "Charlotte Beach," an area not designated on maps or by any public agencies or non-profit groups as significant or sensitive; and a lead negotiator who was later engaged by the very parties he once negotiated against. Before Congress or any other elected officials or public agencies take any further action, a complete investigation and full disclosures are warranted.

And what role or connections has political consultant Tom Shields (also an Engler insider, political advisor to Rep. Candice Miller, and longtime spin doctor to Mike & Marian Ilitch) played in these schemes?


See also:

• The Dykema Law Firm: the legal team behind the Bay Mills, Los Coyotes & Shinnecock Indian casino schemes
• Boldrey negotiated '11th Hour' Port Huron casino deal for Gov. Engler; then joined private practice, retained by those who got the deal
• Boldrey, McLellan, the Dykema Gossett law firm and their connection to John Engler and the Bay Mills Indian Community
• Michael Malik and partners funded Gov. Engler during gambling negotiations
• Boldrey apparently obtained a conflict-of-interest waiver from Governor Granholm allowing him to represent casino promoter
• Barstow official & Boldrey kept their knowledge of reported Chemehuevi campsite in City of Barstow hush-hush
• Boldrey and other may have mislead Schwarzenegger's negotiator to get approvals for twin casinos
• House Judiciary committee to probe Attorney Boldrey’s dual involvments in Port Huron casino deal
• Casino developer’s representations biased; consultants “specialization” challenged
• Ilitch/Malik said to have paid $10 million in legal fees advancing Port Huron Indian casino
• Dykema Lobbyists set up expense account for Oakland County Exec Brooks Patterson
• Ilitch team out in full force with New York Casino gambling partner
• Dykema lobbyists disclose they are behind Ilitch backed plans for Port Huron casino

Nov. Revenues Boost Year-Over-Year Performance of Detroit Casinos

Solid November boosts year-over-year revenues at MGM, MotorCity casinos

12.14.2011

By Jaclyn Trop

Detroit's two largest casinos continued to improve their revenue growth for the year with a solid November, leaving Greektown Casino and Hotel lagging, according to state statistics released Tuesday.

MotorCity Casino Hotel, the city's second-largest casino by market share, posted the largest year-over-year gain. The gaming hall posted revenues of $431.5 million from January through November of this year, a 5.8 percent gain over last year's $407.9 million, the Michigan Gaming Control Board reported.

Market share leader MGM Grand Detroit experienced a 2.8 percent rise in revenues to $547.4 million.

Revenues for Greektown Casino and Hotel, the smallest gaming hall, fell 0.9 percent to $321.7 million. (Complete Story)

According to Term Sheet, Detroiters Would Finance Shinnecock Nation Acquisition of SUNY Stony Brook

Based on a "Term Sheet" between the Shinnecock Indian Nation and Detroit-based Gateway Casino Resorts, it appears the Nation remains interested in acquiring the State University of New York at Stony Brook Campus in Southampton.  And their Detroit casino development partner stands ready to assist them in acquiring the property.  In fact, Gateway Casino Resorts has gifted the Nation the first $500,000 needed to acquire the College property.

From the Term Sheet:

Gateway shall assist the Nation in pursuing the acquisition of the college campus known as State University of New York at Stony Brook in Southampton, New York (the "College") by providing reasonable financial assistance to the Nation to: conduct due diligence and research regarding the property, investigate acquisition options, negotiate with the State of New York and federal, state and local entities regarding acquisition of the property, and provide other reasonable assistance to help the Nation facilitate the acquisition of the college. Gateway agrees that the initial $500,000 Gateway provides for such purposes will be a gift to the Nation and that, neither the Nation nor the Authority is required to repay this initial amount of $500,000 to Gateway, with any remaining expenditure being Approved Development Costs. The parties agree that, if the parties determine that the due diligence contemplated by this paragraph indicates that the Nation has a viable opportunity to acquire the College, the parties will discuss how Gateway can assist the Nation with such acquisition or assist the Nation in acquiring a loan to purchase the property. Gateway shall also support efforts by the Nation to include the acquisition of nongaming land during the compact and other negotiations with the State, local and federal governments.

Artist's Renderings of Detroiters' Planned Shinnecock Casino Development at Belmont Race Track

Although Detroit casino syndicator Michael J. Malik, Sr., had previous forbid Long Island reporters from printing previously publicly displayed copies of artist's renderings produced for his proposed Shinnecock/Gateway Casino Resorts Gambling Hall at the Belmont Race Track, TVT has received these two renderings among other background materials.

Artist's Rendering: Belmont Hotel & Entertainment Entrance 

proposed by Gateway Casino Resorts with Shinnecock Nation

Artist's Rendering: Belmont Arena Plaza and Monorail proposed 

by Gateway Casino Resorts with Shinnecock Nation

Click on the various "labels" below to discover related stories, documents and resources.

What They Won't Tell You: Insights on Gateway Casino Resorts, its Detroit Organizers and Their Plans for Shinnecock Casinos

Shinnecock Reject Malik, Gateway Casino Resorts

• Votes Are Counted & Shinnecock Nation Gives Thumbs Down to Contract with Michael Malik's Gateway Casino Resorts
• Shinnecock Vote Down gaming pact with Gateway Casino Resorts, reject longtime investors Michael Malik & Marian Ilitch
• Distrust and Suspicion of Detroiter Michael Malik Cause Tribe to Reject Casino Syndicator, New Contract
• Reader Explains Why Shinnecock Won't Build a Casino at Belmont Park Race Track
• Statement by the Trustees of the Shinnecock Nation Following Thursday's Vote Denying them Authority to Contract with Detroit Casino Syndicator
• It's Carcieri not Malik that poses Bigger Problems for the Shinnecock Nation
• Shinnecock Gumbs named to Newspaper's Power List Hall of Fame
• What's Caused the Apparent Rift between Detroit Casino Syndicator Michael Malik and Shinnecock Lance Gumbs; and Who's Being Enriched by Malik?
• Shinnecock Citizens Reject Gateway Casino Agreement

Lobbying

• D.C. Lobbyists Paid $2.33 Million to Advance Shinnecock Casinos
• Shinnecock and Ilitch affiliate Gateway Casino Resorts paid $1.5 million to New York Lobbyists
• Shinnecock Casino Backers have dropped $107,500 on top-ranking NY Politicians
• Shinnecock Face New Casino Hurdles; Tribal Leader won't say if Gateway Casino Resorts (Mike Malik / Marian Ilitch) would lobby in Albany on its behalf
• Al D'Amato retained to advance Detroiters Long Island Casino Schemes is also leading fight for online gaming
• D'Amato's Online Gambling Group Bankrolled by Foreign Interests; Now he's behind Detroiter's Casino Schemes for Belmont Race Track
• Ilitch affiliate retains former U.S. Senator Alfonse D'Amato's lobbying firm to push New York Casino plans for Shinnecock

Campaign Contributions/Influence

• Detroit Gambling Promoters Trying to Buy Influence with NY Senator Schumer?
• Gateway Casinos / Shinnecock Lobbyist tied to Schumer, Rangel, Gillibrand; Campaign Funds Flow Their Direction
• Growing List of NY Politicians Rejecting $$$ from Ilitch Partner Michael Malik
• NY Governor Cuomo Latest To Reject Campaign Contributions from Ilitch Gambling Partner Michael Malik
• Rep. Tim Bishop (D-NY) Caught Taking More Money from Notorious Law-Breaking Detroit Casino Syndicator
• Reps McCarthy & Bishop: The Company They're Keeping Will Surely Lead to Regret
• Reps. Peter King and Carolyn McCarthy reportedly backing Ilitch / Shinnecock plan for Belmont
• Shinnecock Casino Interests Want to Influence Senators Schumer & Gillibrand, Rep. Bishop

Policy

• To Bypass Carcieri and Other Off-Reservation Casino Hurdles, Detroiters Plan Introduction of "Mandatory Acquisition Legislation" in Congress
• Candidates for Suffolk Co Exec Support Shinnecock Casino Development, With Conditions
• Shinnecock Nation Chair Testifies at Joint Senate Hearing in Albany on Gaming

Michael Malik

• Detroit Casino Syndicator Who Can't Get a Michigan Gambling License Reportedly Could Get Biggest Deal in Indian Gaming
• Michael Malik: The Latest Life & Times of a Detroit Casino Syndicator
• Controversy seems to always follow Detroit Casino Syndicator Michael Malik
• Once Again Michael Malik is at Center of Intra-Tribal Controversy; War Brews on Shinnecock Reservation over Gateway Casino Resorts Contract
• Why is Detroiter Mike Malik Dragging former Hawaii Governor Waihee around Long Island, NY?

Planning/Development

• Artist's Renderings of Detroiters' Planned Shinnecock Casino Development at Belmont Race Track
• Detroiters Marian Ilitch & Mike Malik with the Shinnecock pushing this Casino Development for New York's Belmont Park
• Detroiters, Shinnecock Planning Gambling/Entertainment Mecca on Governor's Island, NY?
• Detroit Casino Syndicators Organize Additional Gaming Affiliates in Decade Long Pursuit of CA & NY Gambling Halls
• Detroiter Malik Says He's Been Planning Belmont Race Track Casino for 6+ Years; But He Has Yet to Meet with NYRA Officials
• Shinnecock Casino Part of Nassau County Executive's Plan
• According to Term Sheet, Detroiters Would Finance Shinnecock Nation Acquisition of SUNY Stony Brook
• Shinnecock Nation Casino Timeline

Community Affairs

• Detroiters have already Seduced Elmont Chamber of Commerce into supporting their Casino Schemes
• Detroiters Pimping Belmont Casino Plans to Locals; Unsure if nearby business will be harmed
• Shinnecock will make case for casinos at Hamptons League of Women Voters

Ilitch Interests/Management

• Ilitch could get Hockey, Gambling, Entertainment Complex in NY before things materialize in Detroit
• Ilitch Taking Over Nassau County, New York? Plan includes Baseball, Hockey, Shinnecock Indian Casinos
• Shinnecock Advised to Submit Gateway Casino Resorts Agreements to NIGC for Approvals

Mayoral Reports

• Mayor: Cites Study, Warns Shinnecock Casino at Belmont Park Will Bring Significant Increases in Local Crime
• Mayor: Disappointed that Shinnecock Failed to Include Floral Park in Community Outreach for Belmont Park Casino Scheme
• Mayor: Detroiters Should Build Their Shinnecock Casino at the Nassau County "Hub" not Belmont Park
• Mayor: Don't approve Shinnecock Casino Scheme at Belmont Park at the Expense of the Surrounding Communities
• Mayor: Hofstra University Says No to a Shinnecock Casino; Mayor Tells Conflicted Hofstra President Not Near Floral Park Either
• Mayor: Shinnecocks or not: New York, NYRA Would be Wise to Include Neighbors in Planning for Future of Belmont Park

Scribd.com: Various Documents Relative to the Partnership between Detroit-based Gateway Casino Resorts and the Shinnecock Nation of Long Island, New York and their plans for casino developments including Timeline, Term Sheet, Enabling Agreement, and more.

Once Again Michael Malik is at Center of Intra-Tribal Controversy; War Brews on Shinnecock Reservation over Gateway Casino Resorts Contract

Discord Erupts Over Shinnecock Vote On Casino Partner's Future

12.14.2011

by Mike Wright

The Shinnecock Indian Nation is set to hold a pivotal vote today, December 15, on whether the tribe will continue its business relationship with Gateway Casino Resorts, the Detroit-based casino developers that have pumped millions of dollars in legal fees and salaries into the tribe over the last eight years in an effort to build a Shinnecock gaming facility.

But in the run-up to the vote, which could approve or reject a new contract with Gateway that was drafted by the tribe’s Gaming Authority, discord has arisen among tribal members over the involvement of Gateway principal Michael J. Malik and the future path of the casino effort in general. The Tribal Council has called for the vote to be canceled while it seeks an independent legal review of the new Gateway contract.

In what was supposed to be a confidential letter to tribal members this week, the Tribal Trustees called for the vote and urged the tribe to ratify the new contract. The letter is dated December 12, just four days before the vote was to be held—a period of time members of the Tribal Council apparently felt was not long enough for tribal members to familiarize themselves with the details of the 12-page contract.

“The Tribal Council is attempting to do its fiduciary responsibility of reviewing the documents with a third-party, unbiased legal council to advise the Nation and tribal leadership before this vote is to be taken,” a statement issued by the Tribal Council on Wednesday morning said. “We are disappointed with the Board of Trustees for forcing this time line and vote on the community before this evaluation is complete. The Tribal Council does not support the vote at this time.”

The tribe’s five-member Gaming Authority has outlined plans for up to three Shinnecock-run casinos on Long Island. This past summer, the tribe received the tacit support of Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano to be the primary developer of a new gaming facility at Belmont Race Track and unveiled sketches of a hotel, casino and entertainment complex adjacent to the famed horse racing venue. Over the last two years, the tribe has also been in discussions with Suffolk County leaders about possible sites for a casino, including parcels in Brookhaven and Riverhead towns.

The new contract with Gateway includes provisions that would have Mr. Malik and his partner, Marian Ilitch, wife of the billionaire founder of the Little Caesar’s pizza chain, continuing to finance more than two dozen salaried positions within tribal government, fund the tribe’s legal and consulting fees, and ultimately pay for the planning and construction of the hoped-for casino.

It would be the first time the Shinnecocks have renegotiated their agreement with Mr. Malik since he purchased the right to be the tribe’s partner from another casino developer, Ivy K. Ong, in 2003. Since that time, Mr. Malik has poured millions of dollars into the tribe’s legal battles, first over initial plans to use a Hampton Bays property owned by the tribe as a casino site—a proposal that has been abandoned—and then in its successful push to secure federal recognition more than a decade sooner than federal agencies would have allowed otherwise. The tribe has also waged court battles claiming contracts with Southampton’s early European settlers in which it gave up ownership of large swaths of Southampton Town were illegal—a claim widely seen as a tactic to win political support for a Shinnecock casino elsewhere.

“I believe the majority of the people will look at what Gateway has done for this community in supporting us and our efforts and livelihoods, with the jobs and the legal help and the federal recognition, and see that [Mr. Malik] has been a good business partner,” Tribal Trustee Fred Bess said this week. “The Trustees’ stance is that we have a good working relationship with our current developer, and we’re looking for their support to move to the next level. We feel that we’ve had many discussions with the membership on these issues, and we think the time is now.”

The letter from the Trustees says that they will not proceed in signing the contracts without the support of the full tribe and cannot enter into any binding agreements on possible sites for a Shinnecock casino, or the necessary compact with New York State, until the contracts with Gateway are affirmed.

The full text of the contract has been posted on a website called The Verifiable Truth, which does not identify its publisher. The website features stories and documents related to the gaming industry, and to Mr. Malik and Mrs. Ilitch specifically. Mr. Bess, however, confirmed the authenticity of the documents posted at the website.

“It’s unfortunate that some tribal members took it upon themselves to talk outside the tribe and share these documents and information with others,” Mr. Bess said. “But we’re going to deal with it and, hopefully, do what’s right for the tribe. The Trustees have the best interests of this community at heart. This is just growing pains, and we’ll get through it as a community.”

Various Related Documents

Michael J. Malik, Sr. is a controversial character, who is often at the center of intra-tribal disputes with those whom he is a casino development partner.  Earlier this year the tribal chairwoman for the Los Coyotes Band of Indians (CA) was ousted because Malik didn’t like a business partnerships she had arranged.  The long-time chairman of the Bay Mills Indian Community (MI) was ousted in an election last month in part because tribal members saw him as Malik’s tool and they’d had enough of Malik’s idle promises for off-reservation casinos.  The now deceased elder and former chairperson of one tribal partner became disillusioned with Malik and called him the “Devil.” She said he had “seduced” younger members of her tribe who didn’t know any better.  By that, she meant he had bought them off with salary, or stipends, or honorariums.

To Bypass Carcieri and Other Off-Reservation Casino Hurdles, Detroiters Plan Introduction of "Mandatory Acquisition Legislation" in Congress

Detroiters who stand to gain hundreds of million of dollars developing and operating Shinnecock Indian Nation gambling halls on Long Island and possibly Governor's Island in New York Harbor, are planning to introduce federal legislation to help them secure approvals and get around off-reservation stumbling blocks including the Carcieri ruling.

According to a timeline produced by the Detroiters' consultants, they are planning to carry out a PR campaign beginning in December 2011 that lays the groundwork for something they refer to as "Mandatory Acquisition Legislation."  That includes plans to "work closely with local governments, union, community groups to build and demonstrate support" for projects in Suffolk County and at Belmont Race Track in Nassau County.

From December 2011 - February 2012, the timeline indicates they will:

• Finalize Mandatory Acquisition Legislation for introduction to Congress.
• Finalize PR plans to support congressional introduction and promote passage of Mandatory Acquisition Legislation 

Then in March 2012 they plan to introduce the so-called "Mandatory Acquisition Legislation" to federal officials.

The timeline notes these "ongoing' activities relative to their "Mandatory Acquisition Legislation" strategy:

• Meet with Federal elected officials; Schumer and Gillibrand; Nassau County and Suffolk County Congressional delegation. Demonstrate local support for Project.
• Meet with key Federal and State elected officials needed to support Mandatory Acquisition Legislation. Prepare white papers and testimony for congressional committee hearings.
• Meet with key elected officials, committee chairs, key DOI officials, and present testimony at committee hearings; lobby- lobby- lobby

In addition to up to three casinos on Long Island, the Detroiters may also be eyeing the opportunity to develop a gambling/entertainment mecca on Governor's Island in New York Harbor. (See renderings)

See other materials obtained with the timeline.

Click on the “labels” below to see related posts, documents, resources or visit these any of these posts:

• Ilitch affiliate retains former U.S. Senator Alfonse D'Amato's lobbying firm to push New York Casino plans for Shinnecock
• Al D'Amato retained to advance Detroiters Long Island Casino Schemes is also leading fight for online gaming
• Shinnecock and Ilitch affiliate Gateway Casino Resorts paid $1.5 million to New York Lobbyists
• D.C. Lobbyists Paid $2.33 Million to Advance Shinnecock Casinos
• Shinnecock Casino Backers have dropped $117,500 on top-ranking NY Politicians
• Detroit Casino Syndicators Organize Additional Gaming Affiliates in Decade Long Pursuit of CA & NY Gambling Halls
• Scandal Continues to Plague Political and Lobbying Activities of Detroiters Bankrolling Shinnecock Casino Plans

Shinnecock Nation Casino Timeline

Detroiters' Shinnecock Casino Schemes

Timeline (Past History & Future Activity)

2001-2012

Of particular note in 2012, the Developer (Gateway Casino Resorts) plans to negotiate a State Compact with Governor Andrew Cuomo, get said Compact introduced and approved by the New York Legislature; and present and get Congressional approval of something called "Mandatory Acquisition Legislation."  And overlaying all of that are ongoing PR advertising campaigns carried out by Lansing-based Marketing Resource Group to spin the developer's schemes and control messages. What's not outlined here are payments to the tribe and "salaries" or payments by Gateway Casino Resorts to key tribal members who support the schemes.

Shinnecock Nation Gaming Authority Timeline 2001-2012

Detroit Casino Syndicator Who Can't Get a Michigan Gambling License Reportedly Could Get Biggest Deal in Indian Gaming

Michael J. Malik, Sr., unable to get a

Michigan gaming license is about to 

get most lucrative Indian Gaming deal

Detroiter Michael J. Malik, Sr., can't obtain a gambling license from the Michigan Gaming Control Board, but leaders he's backed at the Shinnecock Indian Nation are reportedly about to award Malik's Gateway Casino Resorts with what some have suggested would be the most lucrative third-party contract in the Indian Gaming industry.

Malik and the Shinnecock have yet to receive all of the approvals they would need to develop and operate a casino off-reservation in New York.  And Malik and his partner Marian Ilitch (Mrs. Michael Ilitch), have failed to win approvals for similar projects in Michigan and California despite more than a decade trying.  In fact, it's been more than a decade since Malik was successful opening any new Indian casino.

Malik is reportedly using expected negotiations with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to pressure members of the Shinnecock Indian Nation into accepting a contract that was reportedly drafted by his Michigan-based attorney Lance Boldrey.

It's more likely that Malik needs such agreements in hand to secure additional or new funding for the casino syndicate that's financing his schemes. You can be sure that Malik and Marian and Michael Ilitch aren't using millions of their own cash to finance the schemes.  A look at the other deals done by the Ilitches suggests theirs are all about leverage and financing, not about using cash.

Through a letter dated Dec. 12, 2011, leaders of the Shinnecock Nation have given three-day notice to tribal members that they expect to vote on Thursday, Dec 15, 2011, on matters to move forward and finalize the deal with Gateway Casino Resorts, LLC.  The letter indicated that tribal leaders have met with Elders Council, Tribal Council, and the community at large through noticed Community Meetings and attempts to suggest those meetings included discussions about issues related to the contract, gaming and the term sheet. Reports are those meetings didn't include any such discussions and that such have taken place in closed door, back room deal sessions which is typical fashion for those behind Gateway Casino Resorts.


Term Sheet: Shinnecock Nation & Gateway Casino Resorts