Detroit casinos stand firm in shutdown fiasco

2007-10-01 14:59:13

Detroit's casinos have said they would take legal action if they are forced to close their doors due to a shutdown of state services.

Last week, it emerged that casinos would not be able to open if state government functions shut down due to a budget impasse.

Under state rules, a casino cannot unless operate unless there is an onsite regulator but without state funding, a supervisor would be absent.

The casinos have all questioned whether the state can legally suspend their licences given that casino operators and not taxpayers pay for the regulators.

But it looks like the law might actually be on the side of the casinos. Judge William Giovan has already said that the casinos should be allowed to stay open during the state shutdown.

Commenting the situation, Scott Grigg, spokesman for Detroit's MGM Grand casino, said: "We urge the state legislature and the governor to reach a budget compromise for the good of the state, the taxpayers and our employees."