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The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians\’ efforts toward the development of two new casinos in Michigan\’s lower peninsula continue

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For more than a decade, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians (SSM Tribe) has been making efforts to expand its land-based presence with the development of two new casinos. While the Tribe currently operates five Kewadin Casinos around Michigan’s upper peninsula, it has been pursuing expansion to Lansing and New Boston.

The efforts of the SSM Tribe included purchasing land at the two aforementioned locations back in 2012. At the time, the Tribe purchased 2.3 acres of land in Lansing, as well as 71 acres in New Boston. Ultimately, the land was expected to be used by the Tribe for its new casinos which are expected to bring economic stimulus.

According to the SSM Tribe, the land for the two sites was purchased via its Self-Sufficiency Fund. While the Tribe asked the US Department of Interior (DOI), to take the land into trust, which is required for the building of casinos, the agency refused to do so. Citing the Michigan Indian Land Claims Settlement Act (MILCSA), the DOI rejected the request of the Tribe to take the land into trust in 2017. At the time, the agency explained that per MILCSA, the tribe cannot use the Self-Sufficiency Fund for gambling activities.

The Legal Fight Continues

Disagreeing with the DOI, the SSM Tribe launched a lawsuit in 2018. It said that the agency’s decision was in breach of the MILCSA and may stifle its further growth and welfare. However, the DOI’s decision was later reaffirmed by US District Judge Trevor N. McFadden.

However, as announced by PlayMichigan, the SSM Tribe hasn’t given up on the legal fight. The latest episode of the legal saga saw the Tribe raise the matter with the DC Circuit Court. In its legal claim, the SSM Tribe asked the Circuit Court to overturn McFadden’s ruling that reaffirmed the DOI was correct to reject taking the lands into trust under MILCSA.

If the DC Circuit Court overturns the ruling, the Tribe may finally achieve an important milestone in the planned expansion of its land-based portfolio. In case this happens, the land must be taken into trust, paving the way for the development of the Tribe’s two new venues planned in Lansing and New Detroit.

Elsewhere in Michigan, last month, Fanatics Betting and Gaming rolled out its iGaming and sports betting application. The launch made Michigan the thirteenth state where Fanatics has established its sports betting operations and the third state where Fanatics Casino is available.

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Incorporating MGM\’s portfolio into Marriott\’s network significantly broadens choices for travelers, particularly in cities where Marriott\’s presence was previously limited, like Las Vega

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Marriott Bonvoy has officially opened its doors to MGM Resorts, allowing its members to earn and redeem points at 16 select properties across Las Vegas and beyond. This partnership, initiated in July 2023 and now fully operational, marks a significant shift for travelers and loyalty program enthusiasts alike.

MGM Resorts Shift to Marriott Bonvoy Unlocks Riches for Vegas Travelers

Previously aligned with World of Hyatt, MGM Resorts’ transition to Marriott Bonvoy offers a plethora of new opportunities for Bonvoy members, particularly those frequenting the vibrant Las Vegas Strip.

The integration of MGM’s portfolio into Marriott’s ecosystem considerably expands the options for travelers, especially in a city where Marriott offerings were previously limited to just a handful of properties, such as The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Among the notable properties now available for redemption are iconic names like ARIA Resort & Casino, Bellagio Resort & Casino, and the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, alongside other renowned establishments like Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and New York-New York Hotel & Casino. Additionally, members can relish in various perks tailored for elite status holders, allowing for a seamless and rewarding experience during their stays.

However, while the partnership promises exciting prospects, there are nuances to consider. One such aspect is the dynamic pricing model employed by Marriott Bonvoy, where redemption costs can fluctuate based on factors such as demand and seasonality. Despite starting as low as 5,000 points per night, the potential for resort fees adds an additional layer to the redemption calculus, especially for those without Ambassador Elite status, which waives these fees.

How to Choose Between Cash and Points in Marriott Bonvoy’s MGM Collaboration

Comparisons between cash rates and point redemptions become essential, particularly when factoring in resort fees and potential elite status benefits. While the convenience of using points for bookings is undeniable, especially with the added incentive of the fifth-night free offer, the financial trade-offs necessitate careful consideration.

Moreover, the partnership extends beyond mere hotel stays, offering members exclusive access to curated experiences through Marriott Bonvoy Moments. From orchestrating the famed Bellagio Fountain Show to indulging in the ultimate golf weekend at Shadow Creek, these opportunities further enrich the travel experience for Marriott loyalists.

For those aiming to bolster their points balance or attain elite status, Marriott Bonvoy’s suite of co-branded credit cards presents a compelling avenue. With offerings like automatic elite status and generous sign-up bonuses, these cards serve as invaluable tools for maximizing rewards potential.

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The new hotel will sport some 204 rooms and 100 suites, and will be directly connected to the casino

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The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana announced a groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of its Coushatta Casino Resort, a casino complex near Kinder. The ceremony is set to take place on March at 10 am and will celebrate the construction of a new eight-story hotel.

According to the announcement, the new hotel will sport some 204 rooms and 100 suites and will be connected to the casino. This will provide visitors with easy access to the gaming area, allowing them to enjoy the tribe’s gaming offerings.

For reference, the casino offers some 2,000 slot games and over 55 table games, meaning that in addition to cutting-edge slots, visitors can enjoy games, such as poker and bingo. The casino resort is also equipped with a sportsbook, allowing visitors to place wagers on sporting events.

By boosting the capacity of the resort, the Coushatta Tribe will be able to accommodate more guests, while creating new jobs for people in the locale. The new luxury hotel will bring the total capacity of the Coushatta Casino Resort to more than 1,000 rooms.

The Tribe Wants to Provide Guests with Premium Lodging

The groundbreaking ceremony will be attended by many notable representatives of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, including Coushatta Tribal Council chairman Jonathan Cernek and Coushatta Casino Resort general manager Todd Stewart. In addition, the event will welcome representatives of TBE Architects, Yates Construction and the Wenaha Group.

The ceremony will be held at the Sculpture Garden in front of the Seven Clans Hotel. The program will include Coushatta Tribe dancers and drummers and a cake-cutting ceremony. The event will be open to the public.

Jonathan Cernek, chairman of the Coushatta Tribal Council, expressed his excitement about the upgrade, saying that he is looking forward to the completion of the new hotel and to welcoming its first guests. He said that the tribe’s goal is to offer an elevated gaming experience to players by providing them with high-quality lodging and premium dining options.

Cernek added:

The Coushatta Tribe is leading the way in building an unsurpassed resort destination, both in the local market and in the entire region.

Jonathan Cernek, chair, Coushatta Tribal Council

Speaking of tribal gaming, tribal organizations recently held the 4th Annual Tribal Cybersecurity Summit. During the event, experts raised the problem of the human element being the greatest vulnerability faced by tribes.

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The scammers utilized diverse tactics such as strategic card placement and discreet cellphone usage to monitor the card sequence during shuffling

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A group of four individuals from Illinois is facing charges in connection with a sophisticated baccarat scam that reportedly swindled the Wind Creek Bethlehem casino out of a staggering $300,000. The alleged scheme, involving six individuals in total, unfolded in the early hours of March 13, culminating in the detention of the four accused parties.

Illinois Group Employed Strategic Card Placement and Cellphone Tracking

According to court documents, Zu Lin, Yuhan Hu, Liping Zhou, and Zhencan Chen, all residents of Illinois, were apprehended by authorities following the departure of two other members of their group, Fuxiang Liu, and alleged ringleader Qingyong Zhang, reported local media outlet Lehigh Valley Live. The incident occurred around 7 a.m. at the Wind Creek Gaming Office.

Police reports suggest that the scam commenced shortly before 4 a.m. as the six individuals congregated at a reserved baccarat table on the casino floor. Qingyong Zhang, the purported mastermind, employed various techniques, including strategic card positioning and covert cell phone use, to track the order of cards as the deck was shuffled.

Subsequently, Zhang and Hu temporarily left the gaming area, reconvening at Hu’s hotel room before returning to the table to resume play. At approximately 5:10 a.m., Zhang allegedly signaled for the group to escalate their betting activity, prompting a series of lucrative wins over the ensuing half-hour.

Following their successful stint at the baccarat table, the group dispersed, with Zhang and Liu exiting the premises while the remaining four members engaged in other games within the casino. During interrogation, Hu disclosed that Zhang had compensated him with $5,000 for his participation, with all proceeds from the operation reportedly funneled to Zhang himself.

The Four Members of the Gourp Face Felony Charges

Further investigation revealed prior involvement in similar illicit gambling activities by Hu and Zhou in Illinois and Missouri, respectively. Consequently, the four apprehended individuals are facing felony charges of participation in a corrupt organization. While Lin, Hu, and Chen managed to post bail set at $100,000, Zhou remains in custody at Northampton County Prison.

Notably, the accused individuals, aged between 28 and 51, all hail from Chicago, with Lin being the exception, originating from Mount Vernon, Illinois. Legal representatives for the defendants have yet to provide comment on the matter, leaving lingering questions surrounding the intricate web of deception orchestrated within the confines of the Wind Creek Bethlehem casino.

Baccarat is seemingly a coveted mark for scammers. Recently authorities in Pennsylvania have been actively searching for Jianchu Liu, a 47-year-old Chinese national suspected of involvement in a professional cheating ring targeting baccarat games at casinos across the United States, including Mohegan Pennsylvania.

Liu’s alleged sophisticated cheating method involved recording card sequences with his cellphone, prompting casino surveillance to identify him. Despite a warrant for his arrest on fraud-related charges, Liu remains at large, and authorities are seeking public assistance in locating him.This incident adds to a series of recent baccarat-related cheating scandals, including accusations against a Mohegan Sun dealer in January.

-Mk Ssports