Indian Gaming > Ho-Chunk Nation to pay $30M compact fee to state

May 11, 2006

Ho-Chunk Nation to pay $30M compact fee to state

The Ho-Chunk Nation has agreed to pay the state of Wisconsin $30 million amid negotiations over an additional $75 million payment.

The Ho-Chunk Nation signed a new compact in 2003 that allowed more Class III games, expanded hours and did not expire. In exchange, the tribe agreed to share more revenues with the state.

But the state Supreme Court, in a case involving the Forest County Potawatomi Tribe, said the deal was void because Gov. Jim Doyle (D) hadn't obtained legislative approval.

The Ho-Chunk Nation went back to the old compact and stopped making payments under the new one. The two sides are in arbitration on the matter.

Get the Story:
Ho-Chunk Nation to give state $30 million (The Milwaukee Journal Sentine 5/11)
Ho-Chunk to make $30M pre-payment to state (The Milwaukee Business Journal 5/10)
Ho-Chunk tribe agrees to make $30 million payment to state (AP 5/10)
Press Release: Ho-Chunk Make $30 Million Pre-Payment to the State on Future Compact Obligations (Wisconsin Dept. of Administration 5/10)