Pandemic Stalls Ho-Chunk Nation’s Casino Plan

The long-stalled plan for the development of a casino with an entertainment complex in the Wisconsin City of Beloit has hit a new snag.

The next step in the final casino approval process requires state Governor Tony Evers to review the project, spearheaded by the Ho-Chunk Nation, and approve it.

However, Beloit City Manager Lori Curtis Luther told the Greater Beloit Economic Development Corporation on Wednesday that the coronavirus pandemic is likely to delay the Governor’s decision.

According to Ms. Luther, Gov. Evers is not expected to review the plan until he “feels the state is back up and running again.” She added that the Ho-Chunk Nation is “taking that position, as well.”

The Ho-Chunk Nation has asked for permission for 33 acres of land to be put into trust as part of a larger 73.5 acre plot owned by the tribe. The parcel of land is located near Interstate 39/90 in Beloit, right across the Beloit Travel Wisconsin Welcome Center, and will accommodate the planned casino.

The casino project has been decades in the making and stuck in heavy bureaucracy until last month when the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) finally gave it the green light. The recently obtained federal approval was the first important ruling in a two-part determination process. The second ruling must come from Gov. Evers.

The two-part determination is required on gaming fee-to-trust purchases under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Covid-19 Crisis Pushes Back Final Ruling on Ho-Chunk Casino

After the BIA approved the project, Gov. Evers has one year to announce his decision on whether the Ho-Chunk Nation can move forward with its casino plan. The Governor can also ask for an extension of up to six months.

Ms. Luther explained on Wednesday that there is nothing concerning about the potential delay of the final ruling on the casino plan and that it is all “just a matter of review and the steps [Gov. Evers] has to do to exhibit due diligence.”

Ms. Luther went on to say that once the final approval is received, the city and the Ho-Chunk Nation will have to quickly finalize a development agreement. However, the Beloit City Manager noted that this is something both entities are not in a position to do right now due to the coronavirus crisis.

The tribe plans to build a $405 million casino complex. It will feature a nearly 140,000-square-foot casino floor with 2,200 Class III gaming machines and 50 table games, more than 45,500 square feet of food and beverage space, a 300-room hotel, a 40,000-square-foot waterpark, and a 45,190-square-foot convention center with space for meetings and live entertainment.

The resort, once operational, is expected to generate more than $225 million in economic impact for Rock County and to contribute $3 million per year to Beloit and Rock County for hosting it.

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