Artist's rendering of the proposed Menominee Nation off-reservation casino. Image from Casino Kenosha
Wisconsin state lawmaker says Menominee Nation off-reservation casino deserves approval:
Since the debate has intensified about the Menominee casino proposed for Kenosha, I have wondered about how we came to this point in the discussion of gaming in Wisconsin. I learned that gaming has been a divisive issue ever since the creation of our state in 1848. All forms of gaming were prohibited by the state constitution when it was first adopted, however, many laws have changed since then to allow certain gaming activities under certain circumstances. Between 1965 and 1987, voters approved amendments to the constitution to allow sweepstakes, charitable bingo games and raffles, and on-track pari-mutuel wagering and racing (for example, betting at a dog racing track). In 1987, voters also approved the creation of the state lottery. Indian gaming came to be when the federal government passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) in 1988. This law allowed Indian tribes the exclusive right to operate gaming activity on tribal lands in order to encourage tribal economic development and self-sufficiency, and strengthen tribal governments. Per the law, tribes can only operate off-reservation casinos if the federal Department of the Interior determines that the gaming establishment on newly-acquired lands would be in the best interests of the tribe, would not harm the surrounding community, and if it meets the approval of the state’s governor. In 1991 and 1992, 11 Wisconsin tribes, including the Potawatomi and the Menominee, entered into gaming compacts with the State of Wisconsin and began operating casinos.Get the Story:
State Rep. Samantha Kerkman: Wisconsin’s Gaming History says Menominee Tribal Casino in Kenosha should be approved (West of the I 11/14) Bureau of Indian Affairs Documents:
Press Release | Fact Sheet: Menominee Nation Decision | Section 20 Determination: Menominee Nation Off-Reservation Casino Related Stories:
Opinion: Don't bet on new jobs at Menominee Nation casino (11/14)
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