Federal officials have until January 9th to approve compact amendment for Kenosha casino project

MADISON (AP) — Federal officials have until Friday, January 9th to approve a deal that calls for the state to ensure the Forest County Potawatomi are reimbursed for any losses tied to a new Kenosha casino.

Governor Scott Walker has until February 19th to approve or deny the Menominee Nation's request to build a new off-reservation casino in Kenosha. The Potawatomi, however, operates its own lucrative casino in Milwaukee and its gaming compact requires the state to reimburse them for losses linked to a Kenosha facility.

Walker's administration has warned that could cost the state millions.

Arbitrators in November came up with a compact amendment that formally requires the state to ensure the Potawatomi are reimbursed.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has 45 days to approve or deny the deal. That window closes on Friday.

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