Menominee Nation still negotiating off-reservation casino deal

Artist's rendering of the proposed Menominee Nation off-reservation casino. Image from Casino Kenosha

The Menominee Nation is reportedly close to signing a new Class III gaming compact with Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R).

The deal would reportedly make the tribe responsible for any losses incurred by the Forest County Potawatomi Community. The agreement could be sent to the Bureau of Indian Affairs this week, according to news reports.

Earlier this month, the BIA rejected a compact for the Potawatomis that held the state responsible for the losses. The January 9 letter noted that the Menominees weren't a party to that agreement.

"We have never been presented with a compact or amendment that goes so far as to attempt to guarantee the continued profitability of one tribe's casino at the expense of another tribe," Assistant Secretary Kevin Washburn, the head of the BIA, said in the letter.

The Menominees want to open an $800 million off-reservation casino in Kenosha. The site is about 40 miles from the Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in Milwaukee, which itself is an off-reservation casino.

Walker has until February 19 to decide on the Kenosha casino.

Get the Story:
Menominee, Walker reportedly negotiating as casino deadline nears (The Kenosha News 1/20)
Source: Menominee, state to sign new compact agreement ahead of casino decision deadline (WISN 1/19)
Menominee Tribe says deal close on gaming compact (Wisconsin Radio Network 1/19)
Wisconsin & Menominee tribe officials reach agreement on gaming compact (WKOW 1/19)
Wisconsin Family action launches ad urging Walker to say no to Kenosha Casino (Wisconsin Election Watch 1/19)

An Opinion:
Jessica McBride: Why Walker should approve the Kenosha casino (On Milwaukee 1/19)

Bureau of Indian Affairs Documents:
Press Release | Fact Sheet: Menominee Nation Decision | Section 20 Determination: Menominee Nation Off-Reservation Casino