The first of many threatened lawsuits, courtesy of the legislature that wouldn't do its job.
Detroit's three casinos are joining together today to sue the Michigan Gaming Control Board and the state over the threat to close them down temporarily if Lansing lawmakers can't reach an agreement on a new budget by Monday.
Both the Gaming Board and casinos confirmed they expect Richard Kalm, executive director of the board, to be served with a lawsuit at about 11 a.m. today, a move aimed at preventing the closure of the casinos if Gov. Jennifer Granholm orders a shutdown of state government at midnight Sunday.
Operations at the three Detroit casinos are monitored 24/7 by on-site state employees; theoretically a state shutdown would make it impossible for the gaming halls to continue doing business without the legally-required oversight.
The lawsuit is expected to be filed this morning in Wayne County Circuit Court.
Attorneys for the casinos will ask the court for an expedited hearing -- perhaps even later today -- to hear arguments from both sides. The casinos hope they can get injunctive relief to prevent any shutdown.
Expect more of this.
How much will these guys cost us with their inaction by the time this is all over?