January 8, 2008
MILWAUKEE - The Potawatomi Bingo Casino has been negotiating with out-of-state
racetracks to introduce simulcast racing and off-track betting to their casino.
A Potawatomi spokesman, Ken Walsh, said "It's allowed in the compact (gambling
agreement between the tribe and state), and the customers have been asking for
it." The casino will complete a $240 million expansion this year, and off-track
betting may be introduced at that time.
Both the Oneida casino near Green Bay and the Ho-Chunk casino near Baraboo
currently host off-track betting.
This will have a financial impact on the Dairyland Greyhound Park which has been
losing money in recent years.
Roy Berger, Dairyland executive vice president, said the Potawatomi off-track
betting would not force the dog track to close. The track would rather consider
adding services such as an entertainment complex. Dairyland sued unsuccessfully
to end Indian casinos in the state and has continued its efforts. The Menominee
tribe has an application pending with the U.S. Department of the interior to buy
the Dairyland racetrack.
Return to Wisconsin Casinos.