Indian Gaming > Column: Tribal casino in Grand Forks unlikely

November 15, 2005

Column: Tribal casino in Grand Forks unlikely

"The revenue officials and tourism promoters in North Dakota's largest cities - especially Fargo, Bismarck and Minot - are watching with interest the proposal of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa to buy a piece of ground near Grand Forks for a new off-reservation casino.

Because all of North Dakota's reservation casinos are marginally profitable in this sparsely populated state, the tribes are interested in expanding into areas with pockets of population. Located some distance from population centers, the Turtle Mountain tribe is especially in need of a better market area.

According to the new book by UND professors Steve Light and Kathryn Rand, "Indian Gaming and Tribal Sovereignty," the barriers to such a proposal appear insurmountable. It is doubtful that Grand Forks - or any other North Dakota city - will get an Indian-sponsored casino to beef up city revenue or attract new tourists."

Get the Story:
COLUMNIST LLOYD OMDAHL : A tribal casino in GF? Unlikely (The Grand Forks Herald 11/14)