Tribal casino draws legal scrutiny

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - The opening of a tribal casino in northern Michigan this week is raising legal questions.

State officials plan to meet with the Bay Mills Indian Community next week to review the opening of a casino on land the tribe bought in Vanderbilt.

Bay Mills announced the opening of its newest casino with about 40 slot machines this week. It's not at the tribe's main reservation.

Five Michigan tribes issued a joint statement saying the Bay Mills operation is illegal and violates state gaming compacts.

A report in the Bay Mills tribal newspaper says tribal members have been hunting elk in the Vanderbilt area since 2007 exercising off-reservation treaty rights.

A message was left seeking comment with tribal officials Friday.