Published on: March 13, 2026, at 03:23h.

Updated on: March 13, 2026, at 03:23h.

• Favorable Environmental Review Received by Hard Rock Kenosha
• The EA was managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs
• This EA brings the tribal casino initiative closer to federal endorsement

The Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin has announced that it has received a positive Environmental Assessment (EA) from the Bureau of Indian Affairs regarding its casino proposal in Kenosha.

On Friday, the Menominee Indian Tribe disclosed that the federal department under the U.S. Department of the Interior determined the proposed casino resort would have negligible environmental effects. The tribe has teamed up with Hard Rock International for this $360 million initiative. Hard Rock is owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

The EA assessed that the development and operational phases of a casino resort across approximately 60 acres close to Interstate 94 in Kenosha would lead to an “insignificant” impact on air quality. The extensive federal review, which took over a year to conclude, also confirmed no effects on wetlands or other vital aquatic resources.

“This marks a long-awaited opportunity, and we are thrilled to progress to the next phase. The EA publication signifies a major advancement for our tribal members, the residents of Kenosha County, and the state of Wisconsin as a whole. This initiative promises considerable local economic benefits, generating over 1,000 permanent jobs in its completion phase, and will uplift families and businesses in our community,” stated Menominee Tribal Chairman Joey Awonohopay.

The Menominee have been pursuing both federal and state sanctioning to establish a Class III gaming resort in Kenosha for over a decade. The tribe and Hard Rock maintain an agreement with the City of Kenosha to acquire the former Dairyland Greyhound Park site for $15 million, contingent on receiving all necessary approvals.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Kenosha

The proposed Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Kenosha will feature a 150-room hotel, a 2,000-seat Hard Rock Live concert venue, seven dining establishments, and a casino floor equipped with 1,500 slot machines, over 50 live dealer table games, and a sportsbook.

This venture would be tribal-led. Although the Menominee reservation in Keshena is more than 150 air miles away, the tribe has historic claims over much of Wisconsin, including Kenosha.

Evers’ predecessor, Republican Scott Walker, was reluctant to negotiate a Class III gaming compact with the Menominee due to concerns that a casino in Kenosha could adversely affect the Potawatomi Tribe’s casino located in Milwaukee.

Evers, who triumphed over Walker in the 2018 gubernatorial race and has been in office since, is not seeking a third term, meaning he will leave office in January 2027. Wisconsin currently has no term limits for governors.

Evers has indicated an openness to a Hard Rock Kenosha compact, asserting that “all tribal nations have the right” to pursue gaming ventures on their federally-recognized territories.

Support from the City

The environmental review process for the Kenosha casino is moving into a public comment phase. However, local officials are optimistic that the findings will facilitate the project’s advancement.

“This initiative has been a long time coming for Kenosha, and it’s thrilling to see it inch closer to realization,” remarked Kenosha Mayor David Bogdala. “The Hard Rock development will usher in new growth for Kenosha, generating jobs, attracting investment, and fortifying our community. This is a project beneficial for Kenosha, the region, and the entire state of Wisconsin.”

The city’s agreement with the Menominee and Hard Rock, besides the $15 million payment for the property, includes the casino’s commitment to pay Kenosha $100,000 annually for the initial three years. The local privilege fee will increase to $1 million between years three and eight, and to $2.5 million thereafter. Additionally, the city will receive a small share of the casino’s gross revenues.