Support for gambling industry expansion in Illinois is starting to fade compared to earlier this year. Chicago Tribune reports that 47 percent of residents in the state are against expansion with just 43 percent in favor of more casinos being built. This is stark contrast to February when 50 percent approved expansion and just 42 percent expressed their opposition. The plans, approved by Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel, would mean five new gambling venues dotted across the state with the jewel in the crown likely to be a venue in Chicago. Emanuel has been a long time champion of gambling expansion and is railing against Governor Pat Quinn, who has long bemoaned gambling expansion plans. With all 177 General Assembly seats up for grab in just weeks time this could be a big issue for the state.
A new tribal casino in Minnesota is set to break ground later this month when the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians gets cracking on the Seven Clans Casino Hotel and Restaurant. The Bemidji Pioneer reports that full construction will get underway in March 2013 and the complex will eventually accommodate a gaming floor with 600 slots, a restaurant, hotel and a number of other entertainment facilities.
A compact between Massachusetts and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe has been rejected. WickedLocal.com reports the federal government has stepped in to reject the compact due to a variety of issues, something that Governor Deval Patrick complained was due to the Department of Interior’s “outdated’ approach. “Today’s decision by the U.S. Department of Interior is deeply disappointing on a number of levels.” Patrick said. “For starters, we negotiated in good faith with the Tribe, and the carefully bargained Compact was extraordinarily fair to both sides. Its terms rightly recognized and respected the sovereign rights of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe while remaining consistent with the goals and principles of the Expanded Gaming Act – namely bringing jobs and economic development to every region of the state.”
