Tribal-state off-reservation casino advances

A Minnesota House committee voted along party lines to approve a proposal tribal-state casino in the Twin Cities on Tuesday amid opposition from some members of the tribes involved.

The committee voted 12-11 on the tribal-state partnership, with all Republicans voting for it and all Democrats voting against it. A separate plan for a "racino" was approved by a voice vote.

The action came after members of the Red Lake, White Earth and Leech Lake bands of Ojibwe traveled to the state capitol to express opposition to the deal. They said they want to force their respective tribes to hold a referendum on the casino before agreeing to join.

Get the Story:
Indians protest casino proposal (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 3/30)
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Backers of metro casino give new financial details (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 3/30)
House panel OKs two new casinos (The St. Paul Pioneer Press 3/30)
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