MADISON, Wis. – A planned Ho-Chunk casino in Beloit years in the making is one big step closer to becoming a reality.
Governor Tony Evers signed off on plans that would allow casino development on the project’s 32 acre site, and the Ho-Chunk Nation, city of Beloit and Rock County leaders are eager to get started.
Gov. Evers announces concurrence with Dept. of Interior’s decision regarding Ho-Chunk Nation’s Beloit casino proposal
Posted by Ho-Chunk Nation on Wednesday, March 24, 2021
“It’s almost surreal to be at this point in the approval process,” Beloit City Manager Lori Curtis Luther said.
It’s been a decades-long buildup, with similar proposals dating back about 20 years.
“There have been other proposals with other tribes to try and attempt something similar. This is by far the most impressive project and the most holistic,” Curtis Luther said. “It’s an entertainment destination.”
This specific casino proposal, which started the application process 2012, includes 300 hotel rooms, 45,000 square feet of meeting and convention space and a 40,000 square foot water park.
The proposed complex will be just north of the Illinois border off of I-39/90 and has the potential to be one of the biggest casinos in the state, leaders said.
The development promises about 2,000 construction jobs and 1,500 permanent jobs once it’s complete.
“This is going to be the cornerstone of the economic recovery from the pandemic,” said Ho-Chunk Public Relations Officer Ryan Greendeer. “We’re really excited about the amount of jobs this creates, not just for Ho-Chunk people, too, because this will be a fantastic asset for the greater Beloit community.”
“A large number of individuals who live here are nonwhite, and so the number of jobs being located here, I think, is a unique opportunity for many individuals, particularly those in minority populations,” Curtis Luther said. “I think that there will be a real impact on the entire population, but certainly (for) those that may not have had as many opportunities historically. I see that as a win-win, as well.”
In lieu of tax revenue, the city and county will get 2% of net winnings from the casino as part of a revenue sharing agreement, with 70% of that for Beloit and 30% for Rock County. The funds will be for unrestricted use.
“The project has been a long time coming,” Beloit City Council President Regina Dunkin said. “It’s a game-changer for Beloit in terms of jobs created, shared revenues and increased tourism.”
After the long buildup, the next step is to get building.
“With the very real possibility of seeing this under construction certainly within the next year, I think that is just wonderful,” Curtis Luther said.
There are a couple more administrative hurdles. The Department of the Interior still has to issue its final determination on whether to take the land into a trust, and the Ho-Chunk Nation will need to amend its gaming compact with the state before the project moves forward.
Greendeer said official plans have yet to be finalized, with construction expected to happen in phases prioritizing the casino itself.
Those interested in partnering with Ho-Chunk on the project or working at the casino complex can email Beloitproject@hochunk.com.
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