Ponca Tribe could open new casino
Despite the legal battle around the facility, the tribe is considering opening the casino in order to bring revenue.
US.- The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is preparing the construction site in Carter Lake, Iowa, to open a new casino. The effort to block the casino is currently under review by a federal judge, as the location of the facility has been under discussions by authorities of both states.
Back in June, the tribe started the push to continue with construction work and celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony on four acres of land that are located near the town’s industrial properties. Dwight Howe, the Ponca Tribe’s cultural affairs director, said: “We want to be able to bring something to our nation, so we can truly be self-determined, truly be sovereign,” NetNebraska reported.
The location is such that it is unique,” said Larry Wright, chair of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska. “As we have said to everybody, we want to build positive relationships that are mutually beneficial.” The tribe said that the phase one of the casino would host 2,000 slot machines. “We want to drive the user experience and provide first class hospitality,” Wright said.
The tribe already has plans for a second phase, which will be financed with the first phase proceedings and loans from a Minnesota-based tribal gaming operation. The facility will also include a seven-story hotel linked to a more elaborated casino, featuring table games like blackjack and craps. “The impact from the economic revenue we look to generate here was just too much to walk away from,” Wright said.
