Some tribes in Minnesota have reported double-digit drops in gaming revenues but the Red Lake Nation is experiencing a boost in business. According to Minnesota Public Radio, profits at Red Lake casinos were up 9 percent in 2008. That was a record year for Red Lake even as other tribes with casinos in more urban areas suffered in the economy. The tribe is pushing forward with a new $18 million casino, the third on the reservation. Chairman Floyd "Buck" Jourdain said the tribe is confident of success. "At this particular point we need to be more aggressive. We need to invest in our community," Jourdain told MPR. "We need to do the opposite of what everybody else is doing, hanging on to their money. This recession is not going to last forever, and we're preparing for when it rebounds." The casino will create 50 more jobs, bringing the total number of gaming employees to nearly 900. Get the Story:
Despite down economy, Red Lake bets on new casino (Minnesota Public Radio 5/1)