RubinBrown Gaming Stats 2014

ST. PAUL REGION

Growth The St. Paul Region experienced the largest year-over-year increase in revenue growth (5.1% growth in 2012 compared to 2.5% in 2011). The region is the largest in both casinos and land area; however, the dispersed population results in the region ranking fifth in average revenue per casino. Challenges Litigation and state negotiations are the most significant challenges facing tribes in the St. Paul Region. In 2013 the tribal-state gaming compacts for 6 of the 12 Michigan tribes expired, as the tribes and state continue compact renewal negotiations. Meanwhile, tribes in South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Michigan are continuing to lobby for the development of future casinos. Opportunities Online gaming is a significant opportunity for tribes in the St. Paul Region. Tribes within the region are leading the industry by coordinating the development of the Tribal Internet Gaming Alliance (TIGA). TIGA and the Isle of Man are working to develop an inter-governmental treaty, which would allow participating tribes to enter in the international online gaming market. Region Specific News The United States Supreme Court heard the Michigan vs. Bay Mills Indian Community case in December 2013. The case began in 2010 after the state of Michigan shut down the Bay Mills Casino, which was operating on land not secured into trust. Leaders throughout Indian Country lobbied to keep the case from the U.S. Supreme Court, as the decision could infringe on tribal sovereignty throughout Indian Country. In January of 2013, all five North Dakota tribes signed agreements allowing them to operate gaming on waterways. Only one tribe previously had the ability to do so, but had not put a gaming boat into operation. In July 2013, the 4 Bears Casino owned by the Three Affiliated Tribes put North Dakota’s first gaming boat into operation. The Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin is awaiting a decision regarding a planned $808 million casino in Kenosha. Traditionally, the other Wisconsin tribes have supported new casino developments; however, two neighboring tribes are against the Menominee casino development. The final decision resides with Governor Walker who has warned his decision will center on the net effect on total jobs provided to the state and may not come until late 2014.

2014 Commercial & Tribal Gaming Stats | 21