Gambling is the only thing missing from a new Indian casino in Michigan. The $36 million Kewadin Shores Casino and Hotel opened in June but is built in an area where gambling is illegal.

The $36 million Kewadin Shores Casino boasts 800 slot machines and 26 gambling tables but been unable to operate because the U.S. government says part of the casino was built on land where Indian gambling is not allowed.

While members of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians are debating who was responsible for the mistake they are quickly building a $2.5 million replacement casino. It wasn’t until after we had the pilings and foundation in place that we realized that something wasn’t right,” current Chairman Aaron Payment said.Former Chairman Bernard Bouschor replied “Payment knew about the problem before I left office and has had 2 1/2 years to work it out,” .

There are 17 Indian casinos in northern Michigan, and two are to open in the next two years in the south. The state’s Indian casinos took in $983 million in 2005 so the loss of 35 millions should not represente a big blow for them.