Milwaukee Mayor Pushes for Downtown Casino

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin –- As reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett made clear Thursday what's driving his interest in moving the Potawatomi casino downtown: money.

"He's looking for a boost in casino revenue to help fill the city's cash-strapped coffers. In fact, the prospect for a significant boost in casino payments makes it necessary for him to seriously consider a downtown casino move, Barrett said in an interview.

"…He came away from a meeting with a top U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs official Thursday in Washington, D.C., reassured that federal law governing tribal casinos does not impose an upper limit on what percentage of casino revenue tribes can pay as part of a deal with local government, Barrett said.

"The tribe currently pays the city and Milwaukee County each about 1.5% of revenue from its casino in the Menomonee Valley. That came to about $3.9 million each on total casino revenue of $260 million for the fiscal year that ended in August.

"A downtown move presumably would boost attendance and revenue. A study done last year also concluded that moving the casino downtown would provide more spinoff revenue to local businesses than an expanded casino in the Menomonee Valley…"