Three Ojibwe bands to open urban casino with state

Friday, March 4, 2005  

Three remote Ojibwe bands in Minnesota have agreed to partner with the state for a casino in the Twin Cities. Other tribes are being invited to join.

The White Earth, Leech Lake and Red Lake Indian bands negotiated with Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) to split profits with the state. The tribes have long sought an urban casino because their on-reservation operations don't generate much profit.

The deal is going to be announced today. It requires approval by the State Legislature. It appears that the casino will not require federal action because it will be a state-sponsored venture. This was confirmed by Pawlenty in a FAQ [PDF] released today.

Leaders of other Minnesota tribes oppose any urban casino. They are upset that Pawlenty promised not to expand gaming in the state. He tried to force them to give $350 million in casino revenues every year.

The state-tribal facility is expected to bring in about $164 million once it is up and running and the state would receive a one-time licensing fee of $200 million. [Estimated Revenues].

Get the Story:
'Time for better deal is here,' Pawlenty says of casino plan (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 3/4)
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Pawlenty, tribal leaders unveil casino proposal (AP 3/4)
GOVERNOR PAWLENTY AND TRIBAL LEADERS ANNOUNCE HISTORIC GAMING FAIRNESS PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT (Gov. Pawlenty 3/4)
Pawlenty, Indians agree on casino (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 3/4)
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Casino foes poised to pounce on new plan (The St. Paul Pioneer Press 3/4)
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Cities casino deal OK'd (The Fargo Forum 3/4)
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Pawlenty, tribes to show off deal The Duluth News Tribune 3/4)
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Pawlenty, tribes rolling out casino (AP 3/4)