Minnesota’s White Earth Nation revealed on Friday plans to establish what would be its third casino operated under the Shooting Star brand. The venue will be located on Star Lake in the state’s Otter Tail County. Construction is expected to begin sometime in 2016.
Currently, the tribe runs the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen. A second casino not far from Bagley is under construction and is scheduled to open doors next spring.
As for the Otter Tail casino, it is likely to be completed and launched in 2017. Shooting Star Casino, Hotel, and Entertainment, the company, which is to manage the property, revealed that the casino floor will feature both slot machines and table games. In addition, there will be a hotel, RV park, a number of dining, entertainment, and retail options, etc.
The company also pointed out that it will annually contribute a portion of its gaming revenue to fund health, educational, environmental, and other important services for members of the tribe and their well-being. The casino is also expected to create numerous jobs for tribal members and residents of the area and to boost Otter Tail County’s economy.
Shooting Star Casino General Manager Bill Marsh said in a Friday statement that they hope the new gambling venue would bring more visitors to the region. The company intends to turn Star Lake into “a true destination” and to improve the growth of local businesses.
The announcement about the construction of the Star Lake casino was not welcomed by everyone. Residents of the area expressed concerns that a gambling venue on the lake’s shore would bring heavier boat traffic, which, in turn, would have a negative impact on the lake’s eco-system. People said that they would not like to have to cope with issues of this kind.
Others further noted that the area is known as “quite, low-key” place and a casino there would not fit the general atmosphere.
Rumors about the possible establishment of a casino on Star Lake’s shore have been floating around since the beginning of 2015. Yet, it was yesterday that a spokesman for the White Earth Nation confirmed the plans. However, he refused to reveal more information about the property and what it would feature, once operational.
Commenting on the news about the Shooting Star casino, Nicholas Leonard, Otter Tail County Director of Tourism and Economic Development said that the the county had not received any applications for land permits by the tribe. He also pointed out that they could not say what their role in the establishment of the venue would be until the proposal is carefully reviewed.
