Wisconsin governor discusses off-reservation gaming criteria

Monday, December 17, 2012  

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) explained his criteria for approving off-reservation gaming projects.

He said the local community must support the project and that there must be "consensus" among the 11 tribes in the state. He also said a new casino must not contribute to a net expansion of gaming in the state.

The Menominee Nation and the Ho-Chunk Nation are both pursuing off-reservation casinos. The Menominee project has local support as does the Ho-Chunk proposal.

Other tribes, however, have raised objections to both projects. And there appears to be some unspecified non-Indian opposition to more casinos in the state.

The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act requires the Bureau of Indian Affairs to consider the views of "other nearby tribes" when reviewing off-reservation casinos. It doesn't say whether a state governor must do the same.

Get the Story:
Walker says he won't pursue union legislation in next session (The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 12/16)

Group opposing off-reservation casinos won't name backers (12/14)
Letter: Community needs Menominee off-reservation casino (12/10)