Wisconsin tribe releases details on $360 million Kenosha Hard Rock Casino Resort
The Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin wants to open a $360 million casino resort in Kenosha as part of a partnership with Florida's Seminole Tribe gaming and hospitality group Hard Rock International.
Menominee Indians revealed details of the proposed casino resort in an interview with Kenosha News this week.
Tribal leaders announced that the 70,000-square-foot casino will include approximately 1,500 slot machine and electronic table game locations, 55 live dealer table games and a sportsbook. The hotel will have 150 rooms, a spa, multiple restaurants including a Hard Rock Café, and a conference center.
Construction will take 18 to 24 months after federal, state and local permits are obtained.
We believe the climate is right now for us to move forward with this project again," said Menominee-Kenosha Gaming Authority Chairman Joey Awonohopey."The plan is to build everything immediately. "Our goal is to secure the financing needed for expansion."
In 2015, the tribe proposed building a larger $800 million casino in Kenosha. But the project was rejected by the then government. Scott Walker (right). The governor said "the risk to the state's taxpayers is too great" when he declined to expand the state's Class III gaming contract, which is required for the tribe to operate slot machines and table games.
Request Details
The city of Kenosha must approve the sale of 60 acres of city-owned land before the Menominee Indians can break ground on their planned Kenosha Hard Rock Casino Resort, which will complement the tribe's gaming portfolio, which currently includes the Keshner-based Menominee Casino Resort) to the tribe. The Kenosha City Council last month postponed until the new year a decision to sell the property west of Interstate 94 at 60th Street. The initial purchase price is US$15 million.
Councilors expressed concerns they did not know enough about the project. Councilwoman Holly Kangas said there was a "lack of information" about the plan when the vote was postponed.
If the city does sell the land to the Menominee, the tribe would have to ask the federal government to place it in trust. If the Interior Department's Bureau of Indian Affairs agrees that the Menominee tribe has historical ties to the country, the tribe would have to enter into a new Class III gaming treaty with Gov. Tony Evers (D).
Diverse Kenosha
Menominee tribal leaders believe the city should support the casino because Hard Rock would give people a new reason to visit the Wisconsin city.
We are bringing something unique to the area," Awonohopay said."The general entertainment and class that hard rock brings to the area is not here at this time. "
As for opponents who believe the Hard Rock Casino will lead to gambling problems and social problems, Awonohope said most of the city already participates responsibly.
"Does Kenosha have a gambling problem right now because people go to bars and play slot machines? Are people addicted to [lottery] scratch cards?" Awonohopay asked.
Technically, there are no slot machines in the bar. Instead, many restaurants/bars, convenience stores, and other businesses offer so-called "no-chance" gaming terminals.
The machine tells the player whether the next spin will win or lose. Supporters of the controversial terminal say it removes the element of chance. State courts continue to consider its legality.
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Source: www.casino.org
