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Wisconsin Fifth Largest Tribal Gambling State

WISCONSIN – As reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "Wisconsin's Indian casinos pulled in nearly $1.1 billion last year, making the state the fifth-biggest tribal gambling state in a still growing $16.2 billion industry, according to a national report released today.

"Casino revenue here grew by 7.5% from 2002 to 2003, fueled in part by new gambling agreements that lifted many prior restrictions on games, according to the study by Los Angeles-based economist Alan Meister.

"Wisconsin continues to have good prospects for growth of its casino business, but that depends on reaffirmation of the 2003 compacts or something close to them, Meister said in an interview.

"…Nationally, tribal casino revenue rose 12.1% last year and 27% since 2001, the Meister study found. Wisconsin casino revenue was up about 17% from 2001 to 2003.

"Wisconsin's less-robust-than-average - but still significant - tribal casino growth can be traced to its earlier entry into the market.

"…The study's findings underscore the importance of tribal casinos to Wisconsin's economy, said Marc Marotta, Gov. Jim Doyle's top deputy. The casinos account for about 25,000 Wisconsin jobs, he said.

"…Uncertainty spawned by the Wisconsin court ruling has slowed tribal casino expansion plans here, Meister said…"

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