A groundbreaking ceremony complete with gold shovels recently took place for the White Earth Nation’s second Shooting Star Casino, located near Bagley, Minnesota. The 21,400 square foot building, designed by Cuningham Group in Minneapolis, will offer a casino, bar and grill and is expected to open in June 2016.
Bill Marsh, general manager of Shooting Star in Mahnomen said, “For the surrounding communities, posterity, team members, people of White Earth and the White Earth Nation, this is for you. For the future, this journey, as we move forward to the end of Shooting Star Casino and the beginning of Shooting Star Casinos, I say miigwetch (thank you).” Marsh said the new casino will create 61 jobs. “This will also continue self sufficiency and growth for the White Earth Nation. We plan to deliver a high-quality product, not only in gaming, but in the dining experience and become more competitive in this area,” he noted.
The original Shooting Star Casino opened in 1991 in temporary facilities and moved to a new facility in 1992. In 2001, a $30 million, 145,300 square foot expansion was completed. In late 2014, the tribe began researching new locations, Marsh said. A feasibility study indicated the potential of the Bagley area. “The area that came back as offering new clientele and keeping within the boundaries of the reservation was along County Highway 27. The study we received said it would be a worthwhile venture,” Marsh said.
In September, the tribe announced a third casino would be developed near Dent. Also designed by Cuningham Group, construction of the facility will begin in 2016 and be completed in 2017. It will offer slots and table games, a buffet, deli and bar and grill, ballroom, gift shop, hotel and RV park.
