As expected, the Forest County Potawatomi Tribe is expressing opposition to an off-reservation casino for the Menominee Nation in Wisconsin.
The Potawatomis operate an off-reservation casino in Milwaukee. The Menominees want to build an $800 million casino in Kenosha, about 40 miles to the south.
“For one tribe to go on another tribe’s historical lands is a very, very big deal,” Potawatomi spokesperson George Ermert told Wisconsin Radio.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett also opposes the new development. The city receives a share of revenues from the Potawatomi Bingo Casino although the amount fell in the last year.
The Menominees are pursuing the casino under the two-part determination provisions of the Indian
Gaming Regulatory Act, meaning federal and state approval is required. Since 1988, only three tribes -- including the Potawatomis -- have completed both steps of the process and have opened casinos.
Apart from the Menominee proposal, the Obama administration has approved two-part determination applications for two tribes in California. Both were approved by the state governor but the projects face legal and political hurdles.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved a two-part determination applications for a tribe in Michigan. The governor did not agree to it.
The BIA also approved a two-part determination application for a tribe in Oklahoma. The governor's response is pending.
Another two-part determination application was rejected for a tribe in New Mexico.
Get the Story:
Potawatomi push back on Menominee casino
(Wisconsin Radio 8/27)
Convention, tourism industries would feel initial boost from Kenosha casino, observers say
(The Kenosha News 8/27)
BIA approves Menominee gaming plan
(The New London Day 8/27)
Menominee Tribe's Casino Faces Hurdles
(WBAY 8/26)
Walker will decide if Kenosha casino is built
(The Milwaukee Business Times 8/23)
$P Relevant Documents:
Fact Sheet | Section 20 Determination
Related Stories:
Menominee Nation wins approval for
off-reservation casino (8/26)