Compacts | Openings & Closings

Ho-Chunk Nation moves forward with $33M casino expansion

Thursday, October 20, 2016

The Ho-Chunk Nation broke ground on an expansion of its gaming facility in Wittenberg, Wisconsin, on September 21, 2016. Photo by Ho-Chunk Nation The Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin is defending the legality of a $33 million casino expansion project.

The work at the Wittenberg complies with the tribe's Class III gaming compact, President Wilfrid Cleveland told WLUK. Plans call for 86-room hotel and a casino with larger gaming floor.

"We know what's in our compact, and the state knows that we're staying within the limits of our compact," Cleveland told the station.

Gov. Scott Walker (R) agrees. He said the state won't be taking action on the project because it does not violate the compact.

"It doesn't require any approval from me or the administration," Walker told the Associated Press.

But the Stockbridge-Munsee Community and the Menominee Nation are pressuring Walker to take another look at the project. The tribes believe a 2003 amendment to the compact limits the size and scope of the Ho-Chunk Nation's casino.

"All we are seeking is a fair resolution that protects the validity of tribal state compacts while allowing each tribe to pursue continued self-determination," Stockbridge-Munsee President Shannon Holsey said in a press release.

Read More on the Story:
Tribes challenge expansion of Ho-Chunk casino (WLUK 10/19)
Two Wisconsin Tribes Oppose Ho-Chunk Casino Expansion (Wisconsin Public Radio 10/19)
Walker Says He Legally Can't Prevent Ho-Chunk's Casino Expansion (AP 10/20)