BIA ruling on Forest County Potawatomi Tribe compact expected


The hotel at the Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photo from thisisemilyida / Instagram

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is expected to make a decision on a Class III gaming compact between the Forest County Potawatomi Community and the state of Wisconsin by Friday.

The amended Class III gaming compact requires the state to compensate the Potawatomis for losses from an off-reservation casino proposed by the Menominee Nation. The amount has been put at $100 million in news reports.

The Menominees don't think the provision is legal under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The Potawatomis believe otherwise and they say they will file a lawsuit if the BIA rejects the new agreement.


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

The BIA's ruling will help Gov. Scott Walker (R) determine whether to approve the $800 million off-reservation casino in Kenosha. The facility would be located about 40 miles from the Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in Milwaukee.

Get the Story:
BIA to decide Friday on Potawatomi pact amendment (The Kenosha News 1/6)

An Opinion:
Editorial: Menominee trying to get on Walker's good side (The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 1/6)

Bureau of Indian Affairs Documents:
Press Release | Fact Sheet: Menominee Nation Decision | Section 20 Determination: Menominee Nation Off-Reservation Casino

Related Stories
Decision looms on Menominee Nation off-reservation gaming bid (1/6)

Join the Conversation