Michigan vote strengthens Kewadin casinos

In a measure expected to bolster Michigan's existing casinos, voters statewide decided yesterday to introduce strict new approval requirements for new gaming establishments. With 97 percent of precincts reporting as of 10:30 a.m.

In a measure expected to bolster Michigan's existing casinos, voters statewide decided yesterday to introduce strict new approval requirements for new gaming establishments.

With 97 percent of precincts reporting as of 10:30 a.m. today, 58 percent of the state's voters favour Proposal 1, which requires voter approval for any form of gambling authorized by law after January 1 of this year.

Voters must also approve any new state lottery games involving "table games" or "player operated mechanical or electronic devices" introduced this year of thereafter.

New gambling establishments must win approval in a statewide vote as well as in the city or township where gambling will occur.

The new approval obligations do not apply to Indian tribal gaming or gaming in as many as three Detroit casinos.

To read additional coverage in today's Detroit News, please click here.