Editorial: Reject off-reservation casino for Menominee Nation

Our state’s gambling market is already saturated, according to university research. And a previous deal signed by the state a decade ago protects the Forest County Potawatomi from any losses at its Milwaukee casino should a competing casino open nearby.

So far, the Potawatomi tribe is withholding about $25 million in other payments to the state in anticipation of — and as leverage against — a possible Kenosha casino.

The Menominee Nation says it would cover any losses experienced by the Potawatomi, which in theory would protect state taxpayers. But a lawyer for the governor has warned the state could still be on the hook if the Menominee failed to deliver.

Walker originally said he would approve the Kenosha casino only if all of Wisconsin’s other American Indian tribes agreed. And they haven’t. So why he’s still withholding a decision, due Feb. 19, is unclear.