Supporters and opponents of the Ho Chunk Nation’s proposed casino in Beloit, Wisconsin have been weighing in on the $400 million project. The tribe’s application is being reviewed by the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs. If it’s approved, the final go-ahead would come from Governor Tony Evers.
The off-reservation casino complex would be located just off Interstate 39, on the Illinois border. Currently the 74-acre tract is a cornfield. Construction could begin next year on the project which would employ up to 1,500 people.
The tribe already operates six casinos in Wisconsin. Ho Chunk public relations spokesman Collin Price said, “The revenue generated from the casinos goes back to the tribal government and then it’s distributed back to the people in various forms. We have 12 different departments, we have a police department, we have our own Department of Natural Resources, we have clinics that we need to staff.” He added the tribe takes problem gambling seriously and offers services for patrons who may have gambling addiction issues.
The city of Beloit has been a prime supporter. City Administrator Lori Curtis Luther said the city would receive 2 percent of net winnings from the casino. Also, the casino resort would boost tourism, which would help the economy which still is recovering from the effects of job cuts by major employers in recent years, including the Beloit Corporation, General Motors and Parker Pen in Janesville.
Luther said, “The casino resort would become the largest employer in our community and those jobs would be very meaningful for our residents. The additional revenue that we have the potential to gain from this development is also significant, not only for our organization but the community at large.”
Opponents include the group Citizens Against Expanded Gambling. Spokeswoman Lorri Pickens stated, “You have to remember the gambling industry spends an absurd amount of money to paint a fairy tale picture where they sell hope for a dollar, for an extremely long shot at winning a happily ever after ending.” Pickens said with 22 casinos, the gaming industry is saturated in the state.
