Hard Rock to manage Menominee Nation off-reservation casino

Artist's rendering of the proposed Menominee Nation off-reservation casino. Image from Casino Kenosha

The Menominee Nation of Wisconsin announced an agreement with Hard Rock International to manage its proposed off-reservation casino.

Hard Rock, which is owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, will lend its internationally-recognized name and expertise to the $808 million casino in Kenosha.

“Hard Rock International is thrilled to collaborate with the Menominee Tribe to create a true regional entertainment destination, which will become an important economic engine for the Menominee and Wisconsin,” Hard Rock Chairman Jim Allen said in a press release. “We look forward to lending our global recognition, strong financial capabilities and proven experience to this project.”

“Hard Rock is an internationally recognized, value-added brand known for high quality offerings and world-class entertainment by people across the globe,” added Menominee Chairman Craig Corn. “Bringing Hard Rock to Wisconsin and adding them to our team greatly elevates the excitement around this project and will make it even more attractive and successful as an entertainment destination, particularly to people visiting from Illinois and beyond.”

This is the second time the Menominees have brought on a tribal partner in its long quest for the off-reservation casino. The original manager was to be the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the casino under the two-part determination provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The law gives Gov. Scott Walker (R) veto authority.

Walker is expected to make a decision by the end of this month. The biggest hurdle facing the Menominees is his requirement that all 11 tribes in the state come to a "consensus" on the project.

"Out of state gambling interests from Connecticut, Alabama and now Florida will be making millions of dollars while Milwaukee loses jobs. Wasn’t the point of Wisconsin gaming to help Wisconsin, not out-of-state interests?" a spokesperson for the Forest County Potawatomi Tribe, one of the main opponents, told Wisconsin Radio Network.