Menominee Nation signs new compact for off-reservation casino


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

The Menominee Nation and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) signed a new Class III gaming compact on Tuesday.

The agreement requires the tribe to share 7.5 percent of net winnings from its proposed off-reservation casino in Kenosha. Chairwoman Laurie Boivin said the payments would come to $1 billion over 25 years.

"Governor Walker now has a clear path to approve the Kenosha project," Boivin said in a press release.

The tribe also agreed to address losses incurred by the Forest County Potawatomi Community. and the Ho-Chunk Nation. If the revenue sharing payments from those tribes fall below $37.5 million in any particular year, the Menominees will make up the difference.

The amended compact has been sent to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, the agency has 45 days to review and announce whether it will approve, deny or allow the agreement to go into effect.

Walker has until February 19 to make a decision on the casino. His signature on the new compact doesn't mean he supports it, his office said.

Get the Story:
Menominee would pay state at least $1 billion if Kenosha casino is built (FOX 11 News 1/20)
New developments in proposed casino in Kenosha (WISN 1/20)
Menominee agrees to pay $1 billion to state over 25 years if Kenosha casino approved (The Milwaukee Business Journal 1/20)
Menominee Tribe, state sign compact amendment ahead of looming Kenosha casino decision deadline (WITI 1/20)
Menominee Tribe, State sign new gaming compact amendment (WBAY 1/20)
Menominee, state ink gaming pact (The Kenosha News 1/21)
Menominee hail new agreement, state says Kenosha casino carries big risks (The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 1/21)
Menominee Tribe signs gaming compact with Wisconsin (Wisconsin Radio Network 1/21)
Tribal compact amendment gives boost to casino approval, says Rep. Kerkman (West of the I 1/21)
Seminole Hard Rock Obstructs Scott Walker's Presidential Aspirations (Sunshine State News 1/21)

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

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Menominee Nation still negotiating off-reservation casino deal (1/20)

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