News of urban casino deal draws mixed reception

Friday, February 25, 2005  

News that Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) and three tribes are about to reach a deal for an urban casino is drawing a mixed reaction.

The Minnesota Indian Gaming Association is categorically opposed to the idea. The tribes say the off-reservation casino will hurt their existing gaming operations.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have some questions too. Senate Minority Leader Dick Day, a Republican, said few in the Twin Cities area support a tribal casino. House Minority Leader Matt Entenza, a Democrat, says Pawlenty's deal makes little sense.

"First he said this was about a fairer deal for the state. Then he said it was about a fairer deal for the northern tribes," he told The Minneapolis Star Tribune.

The White Earth, Leech Lake and Red Lake bands of Ojibwe have sought an urban casino for years. But White Earth council member Tony Wadena says he isn't sure whether it will actually help the tribes.

An announcement on the casino deal is expected next week.

Get the Story:
Early reviews are mixed for state-tribal casino plan (Minnesota Public Radio 2/24)
Sviggum talks casino and racino (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 2/25)
pwlat
Double down on casinos? (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 2/25)
TWIN CITIES: Tribal leaders say deal's close for a metro casino (AP 2/25)