In Minnesota, legislation for a new, privately managed casino that would be owned by the state is likely to attract a great deal of attention in the upcoming session of the state Legislature. Proponents say it could produce $100 million a year for tax relief, education, affordable housing, new sports stadiums or any other purpose lawmakers chose.

But opponents promise that it is a controversial, emotionally charged measure that would not likely achieve success, but would distract lawmakers from addressing more important issues, such as taxcuts and health care.

Meanwhile, three Indian groups in Wisconsin areproposing to build a casino that would help revive an ailing dog track in Hudson, WI. But the recent appointment of Wisconsin's Republicangovernor, Tommy Thompson, to secretary of health and human welfare in the Bush administration could hurt chances for an Indian-owned casino in the town about 30 miles east of the Twin Cities. Thompson has been hesitant to support the deal. However, if his cabinet appointment is confirmed, his successor, Lt. Gov. Scott McCallum, is almost sure to oppose the casino.

The application by three Wisconsin Ojibwe bands and the owners of the St. Croix Meadows Greyhound Racing Park is being considered by the US Interior Department, which is expected to make a decision soon. Ironically, one factor that could turn legislative sentiment toward a casino would be if the gambling emporium proposed for the dog track in Hudson, WI, just 30 miles east of the Twin Cities, receives the go-ahead. Because a Hudson casino would draw Twin Cities gamblers across the border, Minnesota lawmakers would be more likely to support a state-owned casino to keep the business at home.

The Minnesota casino proposal is the brainchild of Nevada casino owner Don Laughlin who, along with a number of Minnesota legislators, are critical of the monopoly Minnesota's Indian tribes enjoy in casino gaming. They hope the Legislature might either authorize a state-owned casino, or schedule a statewide vote next year on a constitutional amendment to authorize one.

Laughlin, a former Minnesotan who owns and operates a large casino resort in Laughlin, NV (a town named after him), began last spring to promote his idea for a Minnesota casino run by a private operator that would pay 90% of its net profits to the state. He estimated the state could rake in $100 million a year.

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Two Casinos Proposed for Upper Midwest Could Meet Common Fate

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