Casinos and affiliate locations within the state of Wisconsin operated by the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians are set to offer sports wagering after signing what is lauded as a “historic compact amendment”.
This will enable the tribe to offer sports betting and other forms of event wagering at its existing Sevenwinds Casino in Hayward, as well as mobile sports betting on other land within its reservation.
This amendment has subsequently been sent to the US Department of Interior to undergo a 45-day review, with hopes of live operations being in place during the upcoming NFL season.
“This is a great day for the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe,” stated Louis Taylor, Chair of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians.
“The amendment will allow us to continue offering a first-rate gaming experience at our casino and increase employment opportunities for both tribal members and the Sawyer County area.
“I am very pleased we were able to work so quickly and cooperatively with Governor Evers’ team to reach this historic agreement.”
This latest agreement in Wisconsin, where there are 11 federally-recognised Native Nations, comes after Governor Tony Evers negotiated similar compacts with the Oneida Nation, the St Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, and Forest County Potawatomi.
“I am grateful to Chairman Taylor and the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Council for their work to come to an agreement on this important compact amendment,” noted Evers.
“Event wagering will generate additional revenue for the state and the tribe, while giving a boost to tourism and employment in Northern Wisconsin.”
The amendment follows negotiations between the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians and the Wisconsin Department of Administration’s Division of Gaming.
“It’s important for the state and the tribe that they are able to remain competitive in a fast-changing gaming market,” said Kathy Blumenfeld, DOA Secretary-designee.
“Recognising our shared interests helped make these negotiations so successful. We look forward to continuing our cooperative relationship with the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe.”
