Standish's Saganing Eagle's Landing Casino Opening Delayed Until Mid-February, 2008?

A new post on a Bay City news site reports that the opening of the new Saganing Eagle's Landing Casino, located near Standish, Michigan, has been delayed from the previously-reported December 31, 2007 until at least mid-February 2008, at the earliest. No explanation for the delay has been made. In fact, the casino has never announced an "official" opening date, although the December 31, 2007 date was previously confirmed by Tribal sources.

Columnist: Harry Reid Responsible For Pulling Of Port Huron Casino Bill From Committee Agenda

According to a radio host writing a column in the Port Huron Times Herald, Nevada Senator Harry Reid is responsible for the "off-again" status of the on-again/off-again bill before the Natural Resources Committee, sponsored by Michigan Rep. Bart Stupak, which would allow the Bay Mills Indian Tribe to open a casino at the site of the Edison Inn in Port Huron. Reid allegedly pressured Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who pressured Committee Chairperson Nick Rahall of West Virginia to pull the bill from the Committee's agenda, thus preventing it from reaching the floor for a vote. The columnist speculates that Reid's motivation may derive from one of his largest corporate constituents, MGM Mirage, which owns and operates the MGM Grand Detroit, which would theoretically suffer from competition in Port Huron.

Saginaw Chippewa Tribe Purchased Marina Near Saganing Eagle's Landing

The Saginaw Chippewa Tribe has purchased a marina approximately two miles from the Saganing Eagle's Landing Casino, which is opening near Standish, Michigan. The marina, formerly known as the Great Lakes Shores Marina, has been renamed Eagle Bay Marina. The marina contains 50 slips, with the potential to add 50 more slips, and potentially RV and camper lots.

This purchase is a part of the Tribe's continual attempts to diversify the economic impact of the Tribe's gaming ventures.

MGM Grand Detroit And MotorCity Casino Hotels Full During Auto Show?

Contrary to prior reports, the Detroit News is now reporting that both the MGM Grand Detroit and MotorCity Casino hotels will be at full occupancy during the North American International Auto Show. Perhaps the hotels' vacancy issues will cure themselves, or perhaps the Detroit News is an unwitting servant of a good public relations agency.

Chairman of Greektown Casino Board Resigns; Faces Trial For Misdemeanor Assault

The Free Press reports today that Fred Paquin, chair of the Greektown Casino Board of Directors has resigned under pressure from the Michigan Gaming Control Board, and faces a trial for misdemeanor assault in February in Chippewa County.

The assault charge arises out of a dispute he had with a 34 year old woman who was a secretary in the Tribe's Prosecutor's Office. Paquin, 50, also the Chief of Police for the Tribe (and now suspended with pay), alleges that he was having an affair with the married woman, and they had a dispute over money she wanted. The woman denies a relationship, and claims Paquin assaulted her, including shoving his hand down her shirt.

Yet another interesting twist in the management of Greektown Casino. Of course, that is a post for another day.

New Tool To Track Detroit Casinos' Monthly Gaming Revenues

I have prepared a table to track the monthly gaming revenues at the three Detroit casinos, which will be updated as more information becomes available. All revenues are in millions:

	11/06	11/07	10/07	11/07
MGM Grand Detroit	40.8	47.0	54.9	46.8
MotorCity	39.8		37.7	38.3
Greektown	27.7		25.6	28.1

Women Trapped In MGM Grand Elevator, Score Jackpot

Four women who intended to enjoy a night at the MGM Grand Casino, and then attend a performance of the Lion King in Detroit, were instead trapped in an elevator at the casino.

In a move that should be noted by public relations departments at other casinos (and businesses), the casino immediately made matters right by offering a night's free accommodations, dinner, and tickets to another Lion King performance for the ladies AND THEIR HUSBANDS.

Nice move. Much cheaper than bad publicity.