Opinion: Simple guidelines for Menominee Nation casino plan

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has step into the void created by Washington’s neglect. He has set down three criteria that will determine whether he will approve applications for future tribal casinos, whether they are operating on or, as is increasingly the case, off tribal lands.

Walker’s guidlines are simple. The state’s eleven recognized Indian tribes must come to a consensus that the new operation should be improved, the community where the new gaming establishment is to be located must also approve, and there must be no net increase in gaming — i.e., if one new casino opens, another must close.

These three simple steps will prevent oversaturation of gaming establishments throughout Wisconsin and will require all tribal casino owners and operators to behave in a responsible fashion if they ever hope to be able to expand their operations or move them to potentially more profitable locations.