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Minnesota Tribes Warn Against Gambling Expansion

MINNESOTA – As reported by the West Central Tribune: "Rural areas and outstate Indian tribes will be the losers if state lawmakers allow any expansion of gambling, tribal leaders with the Upper Sioux Community charged at a press conference on Monday.

"'I don't believe the state has an appetite for another expansion of gambling,' said Helen Blue-Redner, chairwoman of the Upper Sioux Community board of trustees.

"…Blue-Redner and tribal leaders went on record to oppose separate proposals now before the Legislature. One would allow a racino at Canterbury Park in Shakopee. Another calls for building a state-owned casino in Anoka County. It would provide an unspecified portion of its revenues to the Red Lake and White Earth reservations.

"It may take two or three years before it is felt, officials said, but expanding gaming opportunities in the metropolitan area will harm outstate gaming operations such as Prairie's Edge Casino and Resort, owned and operated by the Upper Sioux Community.

"…The tribal leaders also warned that a racino or Anoka casino would only open the door to the day when slot machines fill every liquor establishment in the state. They believe that will harm the state's gaming industry.

"…Red Lake and White Earth tribal leaders have argued for a metropolitan-based casino, claiming that their remote locations limit the revenues they can earn from gaming.

"…The Upper Sioux Community remains opposed to calls to renegotiate the gambling compacts with the state…"

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