Menominee tribal officials are actively seeking approval for their proposed casino in Kenosha, marked by a recent ceremony celebrating the signing of an intergovernmental agreement with Kenosha County leaders. Partnering with Hard Rock International, the tribe’s $360 million project includes a Hard Rock Cafe, six new restaurants, a Hard Rock Live entertainment venue, a 150-room hotel, 1,500 slot machines, over 50 table games, and a sportsbook, with an estimated annual attendance of 2.4 million people.
Tribal Chair Gena Kakkak highlighted the potential benefits, emphasizing improved health outcomes, support for the elderly, and enhanced educational opportunities for Menominee youth. Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman projects the proposal to bring about 1,000 jobs and an $800 million economic impact to the county and state.
The tribe plans to submit its application to the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs in the coming months, with hopes for a decision later this year. Notably, a previous proposal in 2015 faced rejection from then-Gov. Scott Walker, and the Forest County Potawatomi, operating a casino in Milwaukee, have expressed opposition to a Kenosha casino.
Joey Awonohopay, Kenosha Gaming Authority Chair for the Menominee tribe, expressed the hope for positive relations with the Potawatomi, emphasizing fair competition. The historical financial dispute, where the Potawatomi withheld payments to the state due to potential revenue loss, has been addressed through an amended compact in 2018. Under the new agreement, the Potawatomi cannot withhold payments unless actual losses are proven within 30-50 miles, with a capped maximum withholding of $250 million, deemed unlikely to be reached by the compact’s expiration in 2031.
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