Iowa Tribe Bets On Casino
IOWA – As reported by the Des Moines Register: "Guests entering the Meskwaki Indian tribe's newly expanded casino will be greeted by a dramatic sight of real waterfalls cascading down stone ledges and brilliant orange flames rising from fire pits.
"Hundreds of slot machines line the main gambling floor. Farther inside the casino is a hidden lounge for the most-prized customers to relax after betting up to $1,000 a hand on blackjack and other games.
"The luxurious new casino, which opens Friday to the public, is part of a $111 million construction project at Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel that represents the most costly expansion ever at an Iowa gambling complex. One of the goals is to make the 14-year-old Meskwaki complex more attractive to gamblers as plush casino operations are launched in the coming months at Waterloo and Riverside.
"…The Meskwaki casino, one of Iowa's most successful gambling enterprises, already draws up to 5,000 customers daily from throughout the Midwest, general manager Dan Stromer said. On a typical day last week, the morning began with the arrival of two tour buses from southern Minnesota. More buses followed later.
"…The Meskwaki casino is an economic engine for the tribe, with profits providing monthly payments to enrolled tribal members and subsidizing tribal services and other projects. The casino doesn't publicize its finances, but tribal officials disclosed during a legal dispute three years ago that the gambling business generated gross revenue of $3 million weekly…"
2006-07-31
