Officials in Bloomington, Minnesota, say they will oppose a casino at the Mall of America.

The idea is in its early stages but Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) and his staff have already been discussing it. In his State of the State address on Tuesday, Pawlenty hinted that three rural tribes might be involved.

The Leech Lake, White Earth and Red Lake bands of Ojibwe share the same lobbyist as the Mall. The lobbyist has pitched the idea to Pawlenty's staff. He said in his speech that talks with the tribes have been productive.

Minnesota's other tribes oppose an urban, off-reservation casino.

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Megamall casino idea finds opponents (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 1/20)
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