GRAND FORKS, N.D. (trfnews.i234.me) – The Spirit Lake Tribe has formally opposed Senate Bill 2376, which would authorize a new casino permit in Grand Forks County, citing economic concerns and lack of tribal consultation in the legislative process.
The opposition was submitted in a letter from Spirit Lake Tribe Chairwoman Lonna Street, who emphasized that while this is not a dispute with the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians (TMBCI)—the tribe proposing the casino—it is a response to a flawed legislative process that failed to consult all affected tribal nations.
“The fundamental concern with SB 2376 is that it was introduced without formal government-to-government consultation with the Spirit Lake Tribe and possibly other tribal nations,” Chairwoman Street wrote.
The Casino Proposal and Grand Forks City Council Approval
In January 2024, the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians (TMBCI) submitted a letter of intent to the City of Grand Forks, outlining their proposal to build a casino and hotel along I-29. The Grand Forks City Council approved the proposal in a 4-2 vote.
TMBCI owns 146 acres southwest of the city, where they plan to construct:
- A 200+ room hotel
- A Class III casino
- A conference and banquet facility
- An entertainment center
- A gas station and convenience store
Spirit Lake Tribe’s Opposition: Economic and Sovereignty Concerns
Chairwoman Street argues that a new casino in Grand Forks would harm existing tribal casinos, particularly the Spirit Lake Casino and Resort, by diverting critical gaming revenue away from operations that fund essential tribal services.
“The introduction of a new gaming facility in Grand Forks County threatens to divert critical revenue away from existing tribal casinos, including the Spirit Lake Casino and Resort, potentially jeopardizing the financial stability of tribal nations reliant on gaming for essential services.”
The Spirit Lake Tribe also raises concerns based on previous state gaming expansions, particularly the rise of electronic pull-tab machines, which were introduced without tribal consultation and significantly impacted tribal gaming revenue.
Public Concerns and Legislative Considerations
At the last Grand Forks City Council meeting, several citizens voiced concerns about:
- The potential rise in gambling addiction.
- How the city would financially benefit, since tribal casinos do not pay traditional property taxes.
Despite these concerns, TMBCI argues that the resort and casino would generate jobs and economic growth for Grand Forks.
What’s Next?
With Senate Bill 2376 still under discussion, Spirit Lake leaders continue to push for greater tribal involvement in decisions affecting gaming revenues. Meanwhile, TMBCI remains committed to bringing their casino project to Grand Forks.
Stay with TRF News for updates on this developing story.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me