The Wisconsin tribe responsible for the $360 million Hard Rock Kenosha has released more information about the project.
This was posted on December 23, 2023 at 1:22 AM.
The most recent update was made on December 22, 2023 at 03:29 in the morning.
The Menominee tribe in Wisconsin plans to invest $360 million in a casino resort in Kenosha with the help of Hard Rock International, a company owned by the Seminole tribe of Florida.
The Menominee Indian Tribe is promoting their resort plans in an effort to persuade council members after the Kenosha City Council delayed a vote on selling land for a Hard Rock casino. The council is scheduled to revisit the land sale in January. (Image: CBS 58)
The Menominee tribe recently shared information about their casino resort plans in an interview with the Kenosha News.
The leaders of the tribe revealed that the casino, covering an area of 70,000 square feet, would have approximately 1,500 slot machines and electronic tables for games, as well as 55 live dealer tables and a sportsbook. The hotel will have 150 guestrooms with a spa, several restaurants including a Hard Rock Café, and a convention center.
The construction process would span 18 to 24 months once all necessary approvals from federal, state, and local authorities have been obtained.
“I believe the timing is perfect for us to resume progress on the project,” stated Joey Awonohopay, the Menominee Kenosha Gaming Authority’s chairman. “Our goal is to swiftly execute the entire plan and we are actively seeking funding to do so.”
In 2015, the tribe proposed a $800 million casino in Kenosha, but it was denied by former Gov. Scott Walker (R). The governor cited concerns about potential financial risks for the state’s taxpayers as the reason for rejecting the project, as it would require an expansion of the state’s Class III gaming compact in order for the tribe to offer slot machines and table games.
Details Demanded
The Menominee tribe is planning to build a new casino resort called Hard Rock Kenosha, but they need the approval of the City of Kenosha first. This would add to their existing gaming business, which includes the Menominee Casino Resort in Keshena. The city council is currently considering selling 60 acres of city-owned land to the tribe for a price of $15 million. However, their decision has been delayed until the new year.
The city council members raised concerns about the insufficient information regarding the project. Councilor Holly Kangas stated during her postponement vote that there has been a lack of details about the proposed plan.
If the city does sell the land to the Menominee people, the tribe would then need the federal government to place it into trust. If the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs agrees that the Menominee have historical ties to the land, the tribe would then need to establish a new Class III gaming compact with Gov. Tony Evers (D).
Diversifying Kenosha
The leaders of the Menominee tribe think that the city should back the casino as it would provide fresh incentives for people to come and visit the town in Wisconsin.
Awonohopay stated that their addition to the area will be one-of-a-kind. They believe that the combination of entertainment and sophistication that Hard Rock offers is currently absent in the area.
As for opponents who say a Hard Rock casino would lead to problem gambling and societal issues, Awonohopay said much of the city is already participating responsibly.
Awonohopay inquired about the current existence of a gambling issue in Kenosha caused by individuals frequenting bars and playing slot machines. They also questioned whether there is a prevalence of addiction to scratch-off lottery tickets.
Legally, there are no slot machines found in bars. However, numerous eateries, bars, convenience stores, and other establishments provide what are known as “no-chance” gaming terminals.
The machines notify players whether the upcoming spin will result in a win or loss. Supporters of the contentious terminals argue that this eliminates the element of luck. State courts are still considering their legality.
