Despite news that the U.S. Supreme Court will hear a second lawsuit by Wayland Township resident David Patchak against the Gun Lake Tribe, several hundred people recently waited outdoors to be among the first to experience the million expansion at the Gun Lake Casino in Wayland Township, Minnesota. Tribal Chairman Scott Sprague said, “We’re thankful to the community, our guests, and over 900 team members, who have supported Gun Lake Casino over the years and have made it what it is today. We’re pleased to offer a fantastic regional entertainment destination, along with employment opportunities and economic growth for our friends and neighbors here in West Michigan.”
Sprague noted the five-year-old casino has directed more than $19 million to local municipalities and civic groups in Allegan County plus $67 million to the state under the tribal gaming compact.
Gun Lake Casino Vice President and General Manager Brent Arena said the 76,000 square foot expansion includes 450 slot machines added to the previous 1,600, plus more table games bringing the total number to 42.
It offers wider aisles and improved ventilation systems to the building, which originally was 83,000 square feet. A new Harvest Buffet also was added. Work will continue through the summer, adding more table games, a high-limit room and a new Stage 131 entertainment lounge.
Regarding Patchak, who lives near the tribal trust land in Shelbyville: In his first appearance the high court said he had a legal right to sue the government to block the casino. That case returned to the lower courts when Congress passed the Gun Lake Trust Land Reaffirmation Act. Patchak said that law was unconstitutional since it violated the separation of powers clause. The lower courts rejected that claim but now the Supreme Court said the case would be given “certiorari” to be heard in the next term.
Sprague commented, “The tribe is eager to argue the merits of the Gun Lake Trust Land Reaffirmation Act before the U.S. Supreme Court
Patchak claimed the casino traffic would lower his property value, lead to pollution and crime and divert the rural area’s municipal resources. He has been backed by anonymous donors and represented by numerous law firms over the years.
