Before we get worked up about this happening, state law would have to change first to allow an Indian Casino off of reservation land. As I understand it, but correct me if I am wrong, those laws can change through the legislature and Governor’s signature OR by voters. Not sure if it would be modeled after how gambling came to Deadwood or not. I’m a little murky on those details. But if the law changes it could also help another community that has been proposing a casino to, Yankton.
So why do I bring this up?
First the obvious, the Badland’s Pawn location and building would be a perfect fit, it would also boost that area of town that has struggled for decades to become an entertainment district. It would also stop the money sucking from Grand Falls and provide millions in tax revenue towards the state and city.
Secondly, it is also about opportunity. Royal River tried to convince the city (mostly the former mayor) to go into talks about locating by the intersections of I-90 and I-29 before we built the Denty. They promised the city a yearly payment to use towards the Denty’s mortgage. I believe the amount was between $6-10 million a year, but I don’t recall. TenHaken’s current COS Erica Beck was in talks with Royal River when she was the former urban planner and tried to convince Former Mayor Wear a Cowboy Hat Backwards to talk to them. He refused saying he hated gambling. While I agree I am not a big fan of video lottery, I’m not to opposed to a full-service casino entertainment center, especially since a lot of that money now is being spent in Iowa, it would just get transferred to our economy.
It will be interesting to see if talks will be renewed under a TenHaken administration with Beck back in public service.