Opponents of gambling expansion are arguing a 5 percent income drop at Wisconsin’s 20 Indian casinos from 2007 to 2011 is proof the state has reached its saturation point for casinos. But a tribe attempting to open a new casino in Kenosha is blaming the economy.

Gamblers wagered almost $16 billion at Wisconsin casinos last year, or $282 million significantly less than the amount wagered in 2007, The Post-Crescent of Appleton reported. Wisconsin’s gambling income has declined as well as betting – to about $1.two billion in 2011, down nearly five percent from 2007, according to a February report in the Casino City’s Indian Gaming Industry.

The numbers show you’ll find “more than enough (gaming) opportunities out there,” stated Brian Nemoir, the executive director of Enough Already WI, a coalition opposed to the expansion of off-reservation gambling. “The desire to take part in gambling can be a individual decision, but at the same time, the fees associated with it along with the effect on society trigger issues.”

Menominee tribe spokeswoman Lisa Waukau says that because the economy bounces back, people will probably be searching for additional areas to play.

“I do not consider we’ve reached the saturation point,” she mentioned. “The persons in northeastern Wisconsin plus the surrounding area like to gamble.”

The Menominee have operated a casino in Keshena due to the fact the late 1980s and also the tribe is now in search of federal approval to open an off-reservation gaming facility in Kenosha.

1 indicator that approximates how a lot of people are gambling will be the quantity of calls towards the Wisconsin Council on Trouble Gambling. Rose Gruber, the council’s executive director, said it fielded 14,464 calls last year, a 7 percent enhance from 2011. Individuals who sought aid had an typical debt of $38,500.

“What we’ve seen with our helpline inside the final couple of years – with the economy down – is them gambling far more since there’s a sense of desperation,” Gruber mentioned.

New casinos have been proposed in Beloit, Sheboygan and Shullsburg. However the Menominee tribe’s proposal in Kenosha, which has been inside the operates for years, appears to become closer to fruition than the other individuals.

The tribe’s plan, that is awaiting action by the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs, was dealt a recent setback when Gov. Scott Walker mentioned all 11 Wisconsin tribes have to agree prior to any new off-reservation casino might be opened inside the state. Federal law requires the governor’s approval.

Waukau mentioned she was shocked by Walker’s stance.

“Our attitude has generally been that there’s room for everybody at the table,” she stated. “And we would never ever hold an additional tribe from carrying out nicely – ever. We’re talking three,000 superior jobs with positive aspects.”