Indian Gaming > State may seek arbitration over gaming compacts

June 13, 2005

State may seek arbitration over gaming compacts

The state of Wisconsin may seek arbitration if new gaming compacts aren't reached with the Forest County Potawatomi Tribe and the Ho-Chunk Nation by June 30.

The tribes operate the two highest-grossing casinos in the state. New agreements are required because the state Supreme Court ruled that Gov. Jim Doyle (D) overstepped his bounds by signing a compact that had no expiration date and allowed more Class III games.

The Forest County Potawatomi Tribe still made a $40.5 million payment last year under that compact. The state wants the tribe to pay another $43.6 million payment by June 30.

The Ho-Chunk Nation withheld its $30 million payment last year. The tribe said it has not installed the games authorized by the disputed compact.

Get the Story:
Arbitration likely on tribal casino pacts (The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel 6/12)