Minnesota governor proposes urban tribal casino

Wednesday, January 26, 2005  

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) proposed the state open a Twin Cities casino in partnership with tribes.

Pawlenty didn't identify a site or say which tribes would be involved. But he has met with leaders of three remote tribes -- the White Earth, Red Lake and Leech Lake bands of Ojibwe -- who want an urban casino.

In his budget, Pawlenty said the deal would immediately receive $200 million in fiscal year 2006 from the tribes for a one-time license. Then, the state would receive $114 million a year beginning in fiscal year 2008.

The Minnesota Indian Gaming Association opposes the idea. Tribes who belong the organization say an urban casino will hurt their on-reservation facilities.

Get the Story:
Gambling partnership with tribes pitched (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 1/26)
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Pawlenty proposes joint tribal-state casino (The St. Paul Pioneer Press 1/26)
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Charting a 'modest' course (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 1/26)
Highlights of Pawlenty's $29.7 billion budget proposal (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 1/26)