( June 22, 2005— Madison, WI) In a statewide poll commissioned by Enough!, a growing grassroots coalition opposed to the expansion of off-reservation gaming in Wisconsin, 76% of the 405 residents questioned want legislative approval of proposed off-reservation casinos.
“When it comes to off-reservation gaming, it is evident that the public wants their legislator involved,” said Brian Nemoir, Executive Director of Enough! “Legislative approval helps provide the assurances that the best interests of the state are the priority when considering off-reservation possibilities.”
When asked the following, the corresponding responses were:
Q9: The Wisconsin Legislature is considering a bill that would give lawmakers oversight on new off-reservation Indian casinos prior to the Governor granting final approval for the new off-reservation sites. Current law allows the Governor to approve new off-reservation Indian casinos without any oversight by the Legislature. Do you think the Legislature should have a role in the approval of new off-reservation Indian casinos?
N = ............................................................................................................................. 405 100%
Yes (Support legislative role) ............................................................................. ... 306 76%
No (Do not support legislative role) ................................................................. ... 78 19%
Don't know / Refused .......................................................................................... ... 21 5%
“The public shares the belief that future decisions regarding the possible expansion of off-reservations gaming shouldn’t rest solely with local communities and the governor,” said Nemoir. “Legislative approval is a common-sense step when looking at off-reservation gaming.”
In addition to the strong public support legislative approval received, conversely, off-reservation gaming expansion is very unpopular among the public(Q7). When asked
which statement comes closest to your point of view, the responses were as follows:
Indian gaming has been good for Wisconsin and if other communities want to open additional off reservation casinos, they should have the opportunity to share in the benefits .................... .. 28%
Indian gaming has been good for Wisconsin but we already have
enough casinos ......................................................................... .. 46%
Indian gaming has been bad for Wisconsin and should not be
allowed at all ............................................................................ .. 19%
Other .......................................................................................... 1%
“The public is comfortable with and recognizes that current gaming offerings deliver a certain benefit, although they believe off-reservation considerations cross the line,” said Nemoir.
This past week, the Assembly Committee on State Affairs recommended adoption of AB-461, which would grant legislative approval of proposed off-reservation casinos.
“There is strong public opposition to off-reservation gaming and call for legislative involvement, AB-461 will address the public’s desire for greater representative involvement,” said Nemoir.
Currently, the Federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act outlines the process for off-reservation gaming approval. The tribe representing the desired off-reservation site petitions the US Secretary of Interior (secretary). The secretary makes a recommendation based on the “best interests of the Indian tribe” and “whether it would not be detrimental to the surrounding community.” Once the secretary makes its recommendation, the governor has the final opportunity to concur or disagree with the offered opinion.
“While AB-461 doesn’t deliver a prohibition of off-reservation gaming, legislative approval is a common sense step in the right direction.”
In comparison to a recently released March poll conducted by Enough!, public support of legislative approval has grown from the previous 70% to 76%, while the opposition to off-reservation gaming has held strong (63% in March to the current 65%, comparatively).
The statistically representative statewide poll of 405 likely voters was initiated on June 20, 2005, and was finished on June 21, 2005 and is + 4.87% The poll was conducted Capitol Opinion Polling & Research at the request of Enough!. To review the poll in its entirety, please click here.
Enough! is a growing and diverse grassroots coalition opposed to the expansion of off-reservation gambling in Wisconsin. For more information please contact Brian J. Nemoir, Executive Director at 608.268.6777 or visit:
www.enoughwi.com