Kenosha Reporter

A renewed effort is underway to develop a new casino in Kenosha, Wisconsin, but few details of the proposal have been made public, leaving the community uncertain about the potential benefits. The Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin and Hard Rock International are reportedly leading the pursuit to open the casino.

The proposal aims to develop a 60-acre plot of land in Kenosha, but specific information about the project and its impact on the community remains limited. This lack of transparency has raised concerns among residents about the potential benefits and drawbacks of the casino.

This is not the first time the Menominee Tribe and Hard Rock International have attempted to establish a casino in Kenosha. In 2015, a $800 million proposal was rejected by then-Governor Scott Walker. The rejection was based on concerns about potential costs to taxpayers, estimated to be around $100 million.

While the current proposal has not provided additional details about revenue, the local economy, or job creation, some studies suggest that the economic impact of casinos may be limited. The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond published a report stating that casinos in areas with competition from nearby casinos are less likely to contribute to economic growth.

Furthermore, a report by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel highlighted the stagnating revenue of the Potawatomi casino in Milwaukee, located just 40 miles from Kenosha. The casino experienced an annual revenue increase of only 1.7%, which is lower than other tribal and Las Vegas casinos. The article cited existing and new competition as a concern for future revenue growth.

Research also indicates that the presence of commercial casinos may lead to a decrease in state tax revenues. The Richmond Federal Reserve report suggested that residents shift their spending away from other consumer expenditures towards the casino, resulting in a decrease in tax revenues.

Additionally, a study by the Institute for American Values found that any short-term economic benefits of a casino quickly fade as local businesses struggle to compete. The study suggested that casinos, which offer a range of services such as lodging, food, and entertainment, draw customers away from local businesses, leading to closures and a negative impact on the community.

Without further details about the proposed casino's potential benefits and drawbacks, the community of Kenosha remains uncertain about the impact it may have on their city. The Institute concluded that the prime economic impact a casino has is "taking dollars out of the community, not bringing dollars into the community."