The two tracks long have sought permission to expand their own operations to allow casino-style gambling, arguing that more money is needed to save the horse industry. Supporters said White Earth would fill the gap if the tracks' existing gambling revenues, from betting on races and cards clubs, do not reach $12 million a year. White Earth members make up 40 percent of the state's American Indians and it is the poorest tribe.īesides promising the state $400 million up front, the White Earth plan would guarantee $12 million for Canterbury Park and Running Aces to improve purses at the state's two horse-racing tracks. The tribe says it does not get enough profit from its existing casino in Mahnomen and since 2005 has sought a Twin Cities presence. Vizenor said casino planners are looking at several potential locations, including Minneapolis, Arden Hills and Anoka.

'We are making a good solution better,' she said. The tribe would foot the entire $700 million to build a casino and split profits with the state. Thursday's announcement was a tweak to a proposal Vizenor unveiled in February to work out a casino partnership with the state. The White Earth announcement came as a Senate stadium construction bill remains stalled and a House proposal is slowly advancing but with many concerns from legislators. He also said with the end of the legislative session approaching, it is unlikely to be done this year, and said there are questions surrounding the funding. 'I don't know it has the votes,' he said. House Speaker Kurt Zellers, R-Maple Grove, said he would look at the proposal, but was not optimistic. Mark Dayton said he continues to oppose funding a stadium via a casino because it would be unreliable. The other tribes worry that a new Twin Cities casino would take customers from them.Ī spokeswoman for Gov. Opponents to the plan include the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association, which represents most Minnesota American Indian tribes with casinos, but not White Earth. Vizenor and other supporters suggested that the existing legislative proposal to use new revenue from allowing electronic pulltabs and bingo could provide stadium funding until a casino is approved and the tribe can hand over the $400 million. However, the up-front money would come only after a casino receives final approval, which might not come until after a court challenge.

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