Sault Tribe considers opening another Detroit casino

Tribal leaders are recommending Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians pursue a casino in the downriver Detroit community of Romulus, Michigan.

Although leaders say the project has little chance of success, it poses no financial risk to the tribe so they are recommending that it should be pursued.

A group of developers currently working with the tribe would seek the necessary approvals and pay upfront costs for the so-called Romulus Project.

These developers are asking for 14 percent of gross revenue from the first seven years of the casino's operations, after which the casino would become the sole property of the tribe.

Success of the project hinges on congressional approval of a deal that would trade the tribe's claims to land at Charlotte Beach for lands held in trust at Romulus.

If Congress grants its approval within the next 18 months, the developers and the tribe would jointly agree on a plan for how the developers will secure financing and begin construction of the casino, says the Sault Tribe news outlet, Win Awenen Nisitotung.

The tribe would manage and operate the Romulus Casino from its opening.

It used to own and operate Detroit's Greektown Casino Hotel and now owns five Kewadin-branded casinos in northern Michigan.