Local news in Michigan has reported the opening of an off-reservation casino by the Bay Mills Indian Community.  The tribe purchased some 45 acres of property in Northern Michigan, ostensibly for elk hunting.  The property includes the 1200-square foot "Welcome Center" of a former resort, which is now reportedly operating as a casino (or at least a slot room).  According to reports, the tribe has not sought to take the land into trust.

The tribe has issued a press release confirming the opening and operation of the "Vanderbilt casino," referencing tribal "off-reservation treaty rights" related to hunting in the Vanderbilt area.

If all that is indeed the case, then the tribe may have opened itself up to either state regulation or violation of the federal Johnson Act . . . this is definitely one to watch.

The Bay Mills Indian Community operates the Bay Mills Resort and Casinos on its reservation in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, near Sault Ste. Marie.

Thanks to Matthew Fletcher and the Turtle Talk blog for alerting us to the story!

Read more here