Indian Gaming > Editorial: Tribal-state casino a good compromise

March 24, 2005

Editorial: Tribal-state casino a good compromise

"A new metro-area, state-run casino has raised much debate recently, with proponents supporting the revenue it would create for the state and opponents criticizing the prospect of more gambling and infringement of American Indian rights. But a new joint venture proposal from Gov. Tim Pawlenty, carrying the support of three American Indian tribes, might provide the compromise the public is looking for.

One of the plan’s key advantages lies in the revenue’s distribution. Many tribes simply distribute per capita checks to tribe members, which has often proven to be inefficient and wasteful. Instead, the three Chippewa tribes have promised to use the revenue to improve housing and education for their members — benefiting the whole tribe rather than dividing the money into unusable smaller portions.

A jointly run casino would, if financially feasible for the tribes, solve problems on both sides of the fence: It would provide approximately $164 million a year to the state, as well as needed revenue for the tribes."

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Gambling ideas must help different groups (Minnesota Daily 3/24)