NIGC | Openings & Closings

NIGC blocked North Dakota tribe from offering gaming on lake

Monday, August 17, 2015

The Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation of North Dakota owns the Island Girl yacht. Photo from Yacht Charter Fleet

The Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation of North Dakota purchased a yacht two years ago with the hopes of offering gaming on scenic Lake Sakakawea.

The tribe negotiated a new Class III compact with the state to extend the 4 Bears Casino and Lodge to waterways on the reservation. But the dream was cut short by the National Indian Gaming Commission, The Bismarck Tribune reports.

The reason for the denial was not explained in detail. So the tribe has turned the Island Girl, which was acquired for $1.2 million, into a family-friendly cruise ship.

Artist's rendering of the expanded 4 Bears Casino and Lodge in North Dakota. Photo from MHA Nation

"It seemed like an impulse buy," tribal member Karolyn Fox, who was one of the first passengers on the first public cruise last week, told the paper. "Now I’m kind of happy about it. It’s something to do. We don’t own our own boat, so this is the only way to get out on the water."

The tribe, meanwhile, continues work on a $47 million expansion of the casino. The project includes a new event and entertainment center and a renovated gaming floor.

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Island Girl offers excursions on Lake Sakakawea (The Bismarck Tribune 8/15)