Nick Leonard, the new director of economic development and tourism in Otter Tail County, Minnesota recently met with members of the county board to discuss the White Earth Nation’s proposed Star Lake Casino. Leonard explained the tribe can open a casino in the county based on the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. “Indian lands include land within the boundaries of a reservation as well as land held in trust, such as land near Star Lake in Otter Tail County. A tribe has jurisdiction and exercises governmental power,” Leonard said. The 270-acre property includes trust land and 5,500 feet of frontage on Star Lake, he added.
Designed by Minneapolis-based Cuningham Group and developed by Shooting Star Casino, Hotel and Entertainment, the facility is expected to open in 2017 and will employ near 500 people. Amenities will include a gaming floor, 110-room hotel, RV park, three restaurants, gift shop, ballroom and event center, indoor and outdoor swimming pool and observation tower.
The White Earth Nation currently operates the Shooting Star casino complex at Mahnomen, and might build another close to Bagley.
