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Approved Wisconsin Gambling Compacts Mean Casino Expansion

WISCONSIN – As reported by the (Wisconsin) Badger Herald: "The mayor's office could either authorize or prohibit a new casino in Madison, but gambling is a sticky issue for Madison's new mayor.

"The Ho-Chunk Nation has been negotiating with Madison mayor Dave Cieslewicz for more than a month about turning DeJope Bingo Hall, located off I-90, into a casino. Under new tribal gaming compacts negotiated by Gov. Jim Doyle, the city and county must take a stand on the issue by Dec. 1. Otherwise, the governor has the authority to open a casino, and the city loses a say in the decision.

"…The issue is a sensitive one for Cieslewicz because he is opposed to gambling. If the city can negotiate a profitable deal with Ho-Chunk, however, the referendum is likely to pass, Conklin said.

"…Doyle has negotiated gambling compacts with nine of the 11 Native American tribes in Wisconsin. The tribes can now begin expansion of their casinos and provide more games.

"The compacts call for the tribes to pay the state a set amount of money, in millions, during the next two years, and then annual amounts based on revenues. In return, the tribes are allowed to offer a wider array of games, including craps and roulette, and to expand operating hours…"

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