As reported by: Associated Press
The Indiana Gaming Commission will investigate dealings between the Blue Chip Casino and its former owner, who was stripped of a casino license in Illinois.

The Illinois Gaming Board moved to strip bankrupt Emerald Casino of its license after it said top Emerald officials, including Kevin Flynn, lied to regulators and that some investors had alleged ties to organized crime.

The board is expected to vote next month on a settlement under which Flynn and other top owners of the unbuilt casino would pay more than $20 million to the state and charities.

Flynn is the former owner of Michigan City's Blue Chip Casino and a consultant for the current owner, Boyd Gaming Corp. of Las Vegas.

Jennifer Arnold, a spokeswoman for the Indiana commission, told The News-Dispatch it likely would review the Illinois ruling and decide whether to take action.

"Any time a licensed gaming organization has a contract with a questionable person, we need to look into it," Arnold said Tuesday. "With Illinois ruling, it could start a domino effect in regards to Mr. Flynn."

The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians has repeatedly asked Indiana officials to void the agreement between Boyd and Flynn. Tribal leaders allege that Flynn and Blue Chip have been working to block the tribe's plans for a land-based casino in southwestern Michigan.

Tribe spokesman Tom Shields repeated the request in a news release Tuesday.

"The Indiana Gaming Commission has a duty to preserve the integrity of casino gaming in Indiana," Shields said. "The commission needs to conduct a full investigation into Flynn's activities and Boyd Gaming's involvement."