A proposal that could have paved the way for a $300 million casino and resort in Grand Forks was shot down in the North Dakota Senate on Friday. The bill, which would have allowed the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa to expand beyond its traditional boundaries, faced heated debate before being defeated.
Heated Debate and Allegations of Cartel Ties
Before the vote, Sen. Diane Larson, R-Bismarck, stirred controversy with remarks that raised eyebrows across the chamber. She questioned whether the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa had financial backing from “cartels,” a claim that was met with immediate pushback. Her comments also extended to the tribe’s land acquisitions and gaming operations, prompting criticism over the tone and implications of her statements.
The debate highlighted long-standing tensions over tribal gaming in North Dakota. Supporters of the bill argued it would have provided an economic boost, creating jobs and revenue for both the tribe and the state. Opponents, however, raised concerns about expanding casino operations beyond the tribe’s current territory in Rolette County.
What the Bill Would Have Changed
Senate Bill 2376 aimed to amend state law to give the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa more flexibility in its gaming operations. Currently, the law restricts the tribe’s casino operations to land within Rolette County, specifically land that was already in trust under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988.
Had the bill passed, it would have opened the door for the tribe to establish a casino and resort in Grand Forks, a city of around 60,000 residents. Proponents saw this as a major opportunity to attract tourists and generate revenue.
One key provision of the bill was its potential to redefine the state’s stance on off-reservation gaming. By allowing the Turtle Mountain Band to expand beyond its current land, it could have set a precedent for other tribes to seek similar opportunities.
Economic Impact and Tribal Sovereignty
Supporters of the bill framed it as an economic win for North Dakota. A $300 million resort and casino would have created construction jobs, long-term employment opportunities, and a new entertainment hub in the region.
Opponents, however, pointed to potential risks, including market saturation and competition with existing gaming facilities. They also argued that expanding tribal gaming outside of designated lands could create legal and regulatory challenges.
- The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa already operates Sky Dancer Casino in Rolette County.
- Other tribes in the state have their own gaming operations, including the Spirit Lake Nation and Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.
- A new casino in Grand Forks would have competed with existing casinos, as well as the state’s charitable gaming operations.
The bill’s failure keeps the current status quo intact, meaning the Turtle Mountain Band will not be able to expand gaming operations beyond Rolette County under state law.
What Happens Next?
With Senate Bill 2376 defeated, the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa will have to explore other options if it wants to expand gaming operations outside its current location. One potential route could be negotiations with federal agencies or direct agreements with local governments.
Tribal leaders have not yet announced their next steps, but the issue of gaming expansion is unlikely to disappear. As North Dakota’s economy evolves and demand for new entertainment options grows, similar proposals could resurface in future legislative sessions.
For now, Grand Forks will remain without a tribal casino, and the Turtle Mountain Band will continue its operations within Rolette County. But the debate over tribal gaming expansion—and the politics surrounding it—seems far from over.
