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Ho-Chunk Nation Makes Deal

MADISON, Wisconsin – As reported by the Associated Press: "The Ho-Chunk Nation will pay Madison and Dane County at least $90 million over the next 12 years if voters approve the tribe's plan to turn a bingo parlor into a full-fledged casino.

"The Madison City Council and the Dane County Board must still ratify the agreement announced Monday by Mayor Dave Cieslewicz and County Executive Kathleen Falk.

"Gov. Jim Doyle could allow the tribe to expand the bingo parlor without a voter referendum, but he signed a gambling compact with the Ho-Chunk this spring that allows the expansion if voters approve it.

"…Under the agreement, the Ho-Chunk would pay the city at least $46 million between 2004 and 2016, including annual lump sums of $847,880 between 2006 and 2015.

"The tribe would pay the county at least $45 million over that span. Those totals could increase depending on the tribe's winnings, which would be independently audited. The city and the county would each get $3.5 million every year beyond 2016.

"The tribe also agreed to refuse to admit problem gamblers to the casino and cover all transportation improvements around the bingo hall if it becomes a casino. That work could run about $2 million, according to preliminary estimates cited in the city's agreement…"

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