The Senate stands in the way of legislation that would have allowed a new casino
A bill that could have paved the way for a $300 million casino and resort near Grand Forks was rejected by the North Dakota Senate. Senate Bill 2376, which aimed to allow the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa to expand its gaming operations beyond Rolette County, failed with a 29-15 vote. The decision puts a stop, at least for now, to the tribe’s plans to develop a high-end resort that was expected to create hundreds of jobs and attract thousands of visitors annually.
Supporters of the bill, including Sen. Scott Meyer of Grand Forks, argued that the project would bring economic benefits to the area without requiring financial assistance from the city or county. The tribe had already purchased land near Grand Forks and committed to making payments in place of traditional taxes, as tribal gaming is typically exempt.
Despite these assurances, opponents raised concerns about the casino’s potential impact on charitable gaming and gambling addiction rates.
During discussions, Sen. Diane Larson of Bismarck questioned the source of the tribe’s funding, making a controversial remark about possible involvement with “cartels.” The comment drew swift backlash from other lawmakers, including Sen. Kristin Roers of Fargo, who called it offensive and inappropriate. Meyer also expressed frustration, stating that misleading statements and speculation had influenced the outcome of the vote.
Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Chairman Jamie Azure had previously clarified that funding for the project would come from private bank loans and tribal economic development funds. The rejection of the bill means further expansion efforts will face significant challenges, though there remains a slim possibility for reconsideration in the future.
