Minnesota tribes near deal with state for urban casino

Thursday, February 24, 2005  

Three Minnesota tribes are "very close" to reaching a deal with the state for urban casino, The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Two tribal leaders said they are working out the details with Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R). The governor's chief of staff confirmed a deal is "close" and both sides said an announcement is planned next week.

The exact location of the casino is still up in the air, tribal leaders said. Ron Valiant, executive director of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, said the Mall of America "keeps getting brought up" during discussions.

The casino would be operated through the State Lottery and would require some legislative changes. George Goggleye, chairman of the Leech Lake Band, said the facility would include no less than 4,000 slot machines.

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Deal's on the table for metro casino (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 2/24)
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