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Wisconsin Tribal Casino Plan Faces Obstacles3 March 2003WISCONSIN – As reported by the Wisconsin State-Journal: "The Ho-Chunk Nation is seeking to convert its DeJope Bingo Hall on Madison's southeastern fringe into a full-fledged casino, but many obstacles remain, tribal and state officials said last week. "Mark Butterfield, a tribal spokesman, confirmed that the possible conversion of the 80,000-square-foot hall on Interstate 90 into a casino is being discussed, but he had no other details. "In recent weeks the Oneida tribe and Forest County Potawatomi tribes have reached deals with Gov. Jim Doyle's administration. Doyle vetoed a bill Friday that would have required the Legislature's approval of any gambling compact. Today, the Legislature is expected to try to override Doyle's veto. "Marc Marotta, state Administration secretary, said negotiations with the Ho-Chunk so far have focused primarily on their huge Wisconsin Dells casino. "…Madison Mayor Sue Bauman said no one has approached her about opening a casino, but she believes most members of the City Council would oppose the idea because it could threaten the economic and cultural health of Downtown. "The Ho-Chunk tribe long has sought to open a casino at the hall, which opened in 1999 but lost about $6 million in 2001…" |