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Detroit casino opening delayed

Monday, July 19, 1999 | 11:59 a.m.

DETROIT -- The Michigan Gaming Control board has delayed a vote on MGM Grand Inc.'s casino license from July 20 to July 28.

This will delay the opening of MGM Grand's temporary Detroit casino, which had tentatively been set for July 27.

Gaming Control Board officials on Friday said they need extra time to inspect MGM's casino, which is likely to be the first of three to open in Detroit.

"Opening a casino is a very involved process. It's not like opening a corner store," Gaming Board Director Nelson Westrin said, according to the Detroit Free Press.

"We need more time to make sure we get it right," he said.

The opening could be further delayed by a court ruling that has yet to be issued on the city's casino process. U.S. District Judge Gerald Rosen is considering a suit filed by entrepreneur Don Barden, who was rejected as a casino developer and claims Detroit's casino selection process is unconstitutional.

Rosen indicated at a June 28 hearing he might require rebidding one or more of the three casino licenses.

MGM Grand Chairman Terry Lanni said the delay isn't a problem for the Las Vegas company.

"It gives us one more week to train people, get them familiar with the casino and to get ready," he told the Free Press.

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