Posted on: January 4, 2024, 08:19h. 

Last updated on: January 4, 2024, 08:19h.

Kenosha’s city government has approved a proposed $360 million tribal casino. The Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin and Florida-based Hard Rock International, a Seminole Tribe subsidiary, are set to develop the project.

The approval includes the sale of 60 acres of city-owned land to the Menominee for $15 million. The approved casino, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Kenosha, is set to offer a casino floor with 1,500 slot machines, 55 table games, a Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook, a 150-room hotel, seven restaurants, a 2,000-seat concert hall, and a gift shop. However, this project will need further approvals before it can proceed.

Project Needs Further Approvals

The casino project is part of a lengthy approval process. After the city’s approval, the next step is to gain support from the Kenosha County Board of Supervisors, followed by a petition to the federal government to place the land into trust. At this stage, the Menominee tribe will need to prove its historical ties to the area to proceed.

If successful, it will still need to extend its Class III compact with the state before becoming operational. This proposal comes after failed attempts to gain state rights in 2015. Now, with a new governor, the Menominee and Hard Rock are focused on getting the project approved.

Governor More Receptive to Casino

Wisconsin’s current Gov. Tony Evers has shown more support for casino operations, indicating a more favorable environment to proceed.

While there are opponents to the project, the Menominee and Hard Rock are determined to proceed with their proposals, potentially bringing union jobs to the area.