Ho-Chunk Nation buys off-reservation casino site

Friday, October 30, 2009  

Correction: The court hearing takes place November 13., not on November 3.

The Ho-Chunk Nation today announced the purchase of land in Beloit, Wisconsin, where two other tribes have sought to build an off-reservation casino.

In a press release, Vice-President Daniel Brown announced the tribe's intentions. “We are looking forward to the chance to talk with local leaders about potential opportunities to bring jobs, economic development, and further investments to the Beloit area," he said.

The St. Croix Chippewa Tribe and the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians want to build a casino on the site in Beloit. The Bush administration rejected the project in January of this year, and the issue will be heard by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals on November 13.

In the press release, Brown said the Ho-Chunk Nation "remains the only tribal nation with a real opportunity to site a casino" in Beloit. The tribe's Class III compact allows another gaming site in the state, he said, and the tribe has "federally-recognized aboriginal ties" to Beloit and the region.

Get the Story:
Ho-Chunk buys Beloit casino property (The Janesville Gazette 10/30)

BIA Letter:
George Skibine to Bad River Band/St. Croix Chippewa (January 13, 2009)

Off-Reservation Gaming Policy:
Guidance on taking off-reservation land into trust for gaming purposes (January 3, 2008)