The White Earth Nation in northern Minnesota plans to build a casino on Star Lake in Otter Tail County, the tribe announced September 25.
The tribe wants to build the casino on the western shore of Star Lake near County Highway 41, which is located south of the White Earth Indian Reservation near Dent and Pelican Rapids.
“Our hope is that the new casino will help draw more visitors to the area and make the Star Lake and Dent region a true destination as well as improve business growth,” Shooting Star Casino General Manager Bill Marsh said in a statement.
The tribe plans a 2017 opening of the casino, which would be the tribe’s third and include a hotel, gaming tables, slot machines, a buffet, bar and grill, deli, gift shop, hotel, RV park, ballroom, and gift shop, the tribe said.
Work on the casino likely would start after the spring thaw. Once opened, the tribe said it will help to pay for educational, healthcare, welfare, and environmental services for tribal members, while also creating jobs and boosting the local economy.
Casino opponents argue the area is nice and quiet and want to keep it that way, and a casino likely would not be a good fit for the local Star Lake community.
Otter Tail County officials said the tribe has not approached them regarding construction plans or potential permits.
The White Earth Nation owns the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen and plans to open an under-construction casino near Bagley in spring.
