News that Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) and three tribes are about to reach a deal for an urban casino is drawing a mixed reaction.
The Minnesota Indian Gaming Association is categorically opposed to the idea. The tribes say the off-reservation casino will hurt their existing gaming operations.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have some questions too. Senate Minority Leader Dick Day, a Republican, said few in the Twin Cities area support a tribal casino. House Minority Leader Matt Entenza, a Democrat, says Pawlenty's deal makes little sense.
"First he said this was about a fairer deal for the state. Then he said it was about a fairer deal for the northern tribes," he told The Minneapolis Star Tribune.
The White Earth, Leech Lake and Red Lake bands of Ojibwe have sought an urban casino for years. But White Earth council member Tony Wadena says he isn't sure whether it will actually help the tribes.
An announcement on the casino deal is expected next week.
Get the Story:
Early reviews are mixed for state-tribal casino plan (Minnesota Public Radio 2/24)
Sviggum talks casino and racino
(The Minneapolis Star Tribune 2/25)
pwlat
Double down on casinos? (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 2/25)
TWIN CITIES: Tribal leaders say deal's close for a metro casino (AP 2/25)
Compacts
News of urban casino deal draws mixed reception
Friday, February 25, 2005 More from this date
News of urban casino deal draws mixed reception
Friday, February 25, 2005 More from this date
Join the Conversation
Stay Connected
Contact Us
indianz@indianz.com202 630 8439 (THEZ)
Search
Top Indian Gaming Stories
Trending in Gaming
1 Catawba Nation continues work on controversial casino in North Carolina
2 Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes move forward with casino expansion
3 Poarch Band of Creek Indians said to be on Trump's radar
4 Hopi Tribe officially joins Indian gaming industry with approved compact
5 Seminole Tribe paid just $50M for casino Donald Trump built for $1.2B
2 Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes move forward with casino expansion
3 Poarch Band of Creek Indians said to be on Trump's radar
4 Hopi Tribe officially joins Indian gaming industry with approved compact
5 Seminole Tribe paid just $50M for casino Donald Trump built for $1.2B
More Stories
Eastern Shawnee Tribe makes another land deal Massachusetts tribe takes new approach on gaming
Indian Gaming Archive