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Iowa Tribe to Expand Casino Resort

TAMA, Iowa – As reported by the Cedar Rapids Gazette: "Unintimidated by proposals that could increase competition for the Meskwaki Bingo-Casino-Hotel, Meskwaki leaders Wednesday announced a $100 million plan to more than double the size of their gambling and entertainment complex just west of here and add 400 jobs.

"…The Meskwakis announced their plan one day before a scheduled Iowa House debate on House File 2302. The bill could shake up the state's gambling industry by issuing up to five new licenses costing $10 million apiece, allowing table games at race tracks, establishing a new structure for taxing gambling and ending riverboat cruising requirements.

"In announcing the plan, tribal spokesman Tom Jochum said the Meskwakis 'are faced with a hostile political climate' that appears to want to punish the Meskwakis by 'expanding licenses and putting them close to Tama.'

"The expansion, which would increase the facility from about 400,000 square feet to 1.1 million square feet, 'is one way to respond to the political environment and make sure the future needs of the Meskwaki people are met,' Jochum said…"

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