Last Thursday, Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, accompanied by Sault Tribe Chairperson Aaron Payment, held a conference at the Lansing Center to ensure the transfer of lands needed to further the downtown casino project. The casino would be built near the Lansing Center and is slated to cost about $240 million.

Bernero said more than 2,000 new jobs are expected to be created through the project, and hundreds of millions of dollars are expected to be generated annually. Many hope the project will revitalize Lansing’s economy and make the city a key area for future investment.

Although the Bernero is promoting the project, other public officials want to keep it from coming to fruition. Gov. Rick Snyder and Attorney General Bill Schuette have spoken out against the project, with Schuette filing a lawsuit to stop the project after declaring it was in direct violation of federal and state law.

The federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act states tribes “have the exclusive right to regulate gaming activity on Indian lands,” and because this project is slated to be developed on city-owned land, some say building the casino could be illegal. Others are nervous about building a casino because it often creates an addiction to gambling.

But if this project is deemed legal, the city and state should be supportive of its development.
There is no doubt Michigan was hit harder than almost every other state during this economic recession. This project is estimated to create 2,000 jobs for Michiganians, and putting those who lost jobs back to work should be the priority of the state.

Some might argue there are better ways to create jobs than a casino, but if the Sault Tribe and city of Lansing both are in support of this project, it might be the best way to create jobs and help reinvigorate Lansing.

Building a casino in Lansing does not necessarily create a negative image for the city. Revenue from the casino would go toward tribal programs and would create a Lansing Promise Scholarship for graduates of the Lansing School District, helping many students afford the cost of college.

This project not only is an investment for the city and its economy, it’s an investment in Lansing’s people and could help MSU students.

The city should not shy away from going forward with this project because it is afraid of patrons becoming addicted to gambling. Using this same logic means the city also should consider shutting down every liquor store and tobacco shop, as alcohol and cigarettes also are known to be addictive. Obviously, those who choose to gamble should do so responsibly. But the fear of possible negative impacts should not deter a potentially great project from developing.

Opening this casino would bring people from across the state to Lansing, enlivening the capital and making it more attractive for business investment opportunities.