Expanded gambling: Ho-Chunk throws $144M at four casinos

BLACK RIVER FALLS (AP) — The Ho-Chunk tribal legislature has voted to move forward with a $144 million expansion at four locations, with work expected to begin this fall.

The tribe plans to build a hotel and events center at the Ho-Chunk Gaming Nekoosa casino the town of Port Edwards and a casino floor expansion, hotel and a conference center in Wittenberg.

The project also includes expansions and improvements to casinos in Black River Falls and Wisconsin Dells.

The tribe expects to create 317 permanent jobs at the four locations.

According to Gov. Scott Walker's office, the casinos are on tribal land and the expansions appear to conform to terms of the Ho-Chunk compact with the state, so the state doesn't have to approve the plans.