Ho-Chunk Tribe Makes Deal With Wisconsin Over Owed Casino Money

The Ho-Chunk tribe and the state of Wisconsin have been in a long court battle over money the state claimed the tribe owed from their casinos. On Wednesday, that dispute came to an end.

The tribe agreed to pay the state $60 million. The state had been claiming that the tribe owed $72 million, but once the agreement was reached, both sides were happy to move forward.

"With this compact, we can now put these disputes behind us and work together in the future," said Michael Morgan, the Department of Administration Secretary. The compact also puts in place the figures that the tribe will be paying the state from their revenue.

For any winnings below $350 million, after payouts, the tribe will pay five percent to the state. For any money over $350 million, the tribe will then have to pay five and a half percent to the state. That figure is in the middle of what other tribes are paying to the state.

The state is looking forward to the $60 million. The dispute between the tribe and the state has left a huge hole in the budget, but now the state can move on with their plans for the money.

Las Vegas style gaming takes place at four casinos that are run by the Ho-Chunks. They also has a bingo parlor that it operates in another location. In the end, both the state and the tribe were happy with the final arrangement.

September 17, 2008
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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