Little River Band's Muskegon County Casino Plan Stalls as Tribe Shifts Focus to Land Development

Casino Project Stalled After Years of Review

The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians' long-running effort to build a $200 million casino in Muskegon County has stalled once again, with tribal leadership acknowledging that the project has no active path forward. The proposed casino, planned for the former Great Lakes Downs racetrack site in Fruitport Township, previously cleared key federal review steps but ultimately failed to secure required state approval.

In 2022, Governor Gretchen Whitmer denied the tribe's request, citing conflicts involving the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians. The tribe's application has since expired, meaning the entire federal and state approval process would need to be rebuilt from scratch.

Mixed Signals From State Leadership

Tribal Ogema Larry Romanelli says communication with the governor's office has been inconsistent, ranging from reluctance to discuss the project to a direct refusal. Romanelli has expressed hope that a new administration following the November 2026 election might revisit the casino proposal, though he has avoided political commentary.

Romanelli previously warned in early 2025 that the casino effort might be "the end of the line," signaling growing frustration with the approval process.

Tribe Shifts Toward Non-Casino Development

While the casino remains stalled, the tribe is now focusing on developing 170 acres of land adjacent to the proposed casino site. The tribe already holds 60 acres in trust for the casino itself, but leaders say it is no longer reasonable to leave the surrounding land vacant.

Cleanup and early planning work are underway, and developers say the land could support housing, commercial projects, or mixed-use development due to its proximity to I-96 and US-31.

Economic Stakes for Muskegon County

Fruitport Township officials continue to support the casino project, estimating it could generate thousands of construction jobs and deliver major economic benefits to the region. However, without state approval, the casino cannot move forward, leaving the site dormant nearly 20 years after the racetrack closed.