Kenosha Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Proposal Clears Important Hurdle

In the American state of Wisconsin, the Menomonee Indian Tribe has taken the next important step towards making its envisioned Kenosha Hard Rock Hotel and Casino a reality.

Leaders of the federally-recognized tribe held an official ceremony early last week to mark the signing of intergovernmental agreements concerning such matters as municipal services, casino revenue-sharing and local project contributions. 

The deals with Kenosha County and the city of Kenosha now place the ultimate fate of the proposed land-based casino gambling-friendly facility into the hands of the federal government and incumbent Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers.

Initial Attempt

The Menomonee Indian Tribe first proposed bringing a gambling-friendly facility to Kenosha in partnership with American casino operator Hard Rock International in 2013. 

But this project was ultimately rejected by then-Governor Scott Walker over concerns the state could lose out on up to $250 million a month from Milwaukee’s Potawatomi Hotel and Casino.

This 500-room venue run by the Forest County Potawatomi Community sits near to the center of Wisconsin’s largest city, offering punters the chance to enjoy a selection of approximately 3,000 slots as well as 60 gaming tables. However, a clause in its compact with the state from the 1990s allows it to begin withholding monthly revenue-sharing payments should a rival casino open nearby.

Second Shot

Undeterred, the Menomonee Indian Tribe resurrected its deal with Hard Rock International two years ago in hopes of finally being given permission to bring the envisioned Kenosha Hard Rock Hotel and Casino to a 60-acre parcel of farmland on the western outskirts of Kenosha. 

The new plan calls for the development, which would sit roughly 34 miles from the existing Potawatomi Hotel and Casino, to feature a 150-room hotel, six restaurants, a live entertainment venue, a Hard Rock-branded café and a casino replete with some 1,500 slots, a sportsbook and more than 50 gaming tables.

Hard Rock International and the Menomonee Indian Tribe project their envisioned enterprise, which has now been signed off by Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman and the mayor of Kenosha, John Antaramian, could attract upwards of 2.4 million guests every year and help to provide much needed economic support to the city of about 100,000 people. 

Joey Awonohopay, Chair for the Menominee Kenosha Gaming Authority, told local television broadcaster WITI-TV he is ‘hopeful’ of hearing later in the year whether the federal government intends to approve the off-reservation Kenosha Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

Gubernatorial Authority

Should this happen and Awonohopay revealed the Governor of Wisconsin would then have a year to make a final decision, although he could apply for a six-month extension. A Democrat currently serving his second four-year term, Evers is yet to express an opinion on the planned Kenosha Hard Rock Hotel and Casino although the Forest County Potawatomi Community has already voiced its opposition.

“When we’re looking at the longevity of the project, it’s a better turnout for the state of Wisconsin, for my tribe and for Kenosha County in the long run,” Awonohopay said. 

"The numbers are a little debatable in the beginning years of the project but, as we start moving further and further into the actual operation, it all comes out as Wisconsin being on top and the taxpayers not having to pay a single cent for it.”