Indian Gaming

The Ho-Chunk Nation won't support the Menominee Nation off-reservation casino even as it pursues a similar plan in Wisconsin.

The Ho-Chunks say the Menominee casino in Kenosha falls within their territory. The tribe “does not and will not support any off-reservation gaming in Ho-Chunk territory," spokesperson Collin Price told The Janesville Gazette.

The Ho-Chunks are pursuing an off-reservation casino in Beloit. The site is about 50 miles from the tribe's nearest gaming facility in Madison and the project is being treated as an off-reservation application.

The Ho-Chunks, however, say their plan is different because a fourth Class III facility is already authorized by the tribal-state gaming compact. So tribal and local officials in Beloit believe their case is stronger than the Menominees.

“That clearly … distinguishes them from any other tribal group that's trying to establish a new casino," Beloit city manager Larry Arft told the paper.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is preparing an environmental impact statement for the casino. If it's approved, the state governor would have veto authority under the two-part determination provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Gov. Scott Walker (R) has said he won't agree to any off-reservation casinos unless all 11 tribes in the state come to a consensus.

Get the Story:
Beloit casino supporters optimistic despite uphill climb in Kenosha (The Janesville Gazette 8/27)

Federal Register Notice:
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Ho-Chunk Nation Beloit Casino Project, City of Beloit, Rock County, WI (November 26, 2012)

Related Stories:
Editorial: Support Ho-Chunk Nation's off-reservation casino (8/27)