The Minnesota Senate Tax Committee took testimony on Wednesday on a bill to authorize an urban casino for two remote tribes.

But the leader of the Upper Sioux Community questioned why the tribes aren't seeing success with their gaming operations. Chairwoman Helen Blue Redner said her tribe's casino, despite offering fewer slot machines in a rural area, makes five times what the White Earth and Red Lake bands of Ojibwe make.

Angela Heikes, vice president of gaming planning and analysis for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, also testified. She said the Mille Lacs Tribe would lose 40 percent in revenues if the urban casino is allowed.

A House committee has already voted down the urban casino. Most of the state's tribes, who also operate casinos, oppose the proposal.

Get the Story:
Tribe leader questions casino profits (The Fargo In-Forum 5/13)
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Mille Lacs Band official fears impacts of Twin Cities casino (The St. Cloud Times 5/13)