A debate is boiling right now over the Governor of Wisconsin’s decision to reject plans for a new casino in Kenosha.  The new casino by Hard Rock International and the Menominee Tribe, had already been declined.  In an effort to save the casino project, the tribe even offered to pay for the new Milwaukee Bucks arena, projected to cost $220 million.  But even this was declined by Governor Scott Walker.

Many are now coming to grips with the fact that the Hard Rock Casino & Hotel project may not only never come to pass in Wisconsin, but the state could see a major loss of revenue as gamblers head over to Illinois to play, and Hard Rock is basically stating the same.    According to reports, if the deal doesn’t go through, Illinois may be prepared to cash in on the rejection, and Hard Rock International would be willing to play ball.  The $800 million investment could bring with it 10,000 jobs, according to Jim Allen, the CEO of the world famous brand.  The new governor of Illinois, Bruce Rauner, is keen to see Illinois dollars return across the state line.

The governor of Wisconsin originally rejected the proposal on the grounds that the Potawatomi Tribe may take legal action, given that they already run a casino in Milwaukee, however others disagree and it is unclear if the Potawatomi would consider legal action if the casino went ahead.

The Menominee Tribe already run a small-scale casino on its reservation, but the location of the casino is thought to be an issue and that’s the primary reason why the tribe wanted to expand with the new casino in Kenosha.   The Wisconsin governor has until February 19 to go back on his decision, although many are claiming that he will refuse to do so.