South Bend council approves casino deal

The Common Council voted 8-0 Monday in favor of an agreement between the city and Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians for the development.

The decision came despite objections from anti-casino forces, including the group Citizens for a Better Michiana, which opposes the project on several fronts.

“When the idea of tribal gaming in South Bend first became a possibility, I indicated the city could be supportive of it only if the benefits outweighed the cost, and this agreement is a way to make sure that’s the case,” Mayor Pete Buttigieg said.

Under the terms of the agreement, the band will make an annual payment in lieu of taxes to the city equal to 2 percent of net winnings and donate $5 million to various community development initiatives.

The band also will collect hotel-motel taxes in support of Century Center and county tourism in general.