Winnebago, Neb. (KTIV) -
The newest player in the downtown casino sweepstakes is a local powerhouse. CEO of the Winnebago Tribe's Ho-Chunk, Inc. says he wants to help revitalize downtown Sioux City.
Ho-Chunk officials are keeping their plans for the new downtown casino close to the vest, but...
"The words we've been using are 'over-deliver.' We want the wow factor," said Ho-Chunk CEO and President Lance Morgan.
Morgan says they've hired an architect and are "well down the path" of development. He says the facility would be an investment of around $100 million, and have a hotel attached.
Morgan also says having Ho-Chunk involved, rather than an outside operator, would keep more casino revenue in Siouxland.
"The Winnebago Tribe has been here before Sioux City was here. There's no doubt in my mind that we will put all the money that we make back into the community," said Morgan.
To submit for the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission's gaming license, Ho-Chunk needs a non-profit license holder to apply with. They'd like to use Missouri River Historical Development, who's currently partnered with the Argosy. You see, MRHD is looking for a new operator after a falling out with Penn National Gaming.
In a statement, MRHD President Mark Monson said: "We hope, when the process begins, we will have a number of applicants, including Ho-Chunk and other investment groups."
Monson couldn't say who those other operators are. But, MRHD might not have to pick just one. IRGC officials say it's possible for MRHD to apply for the gaming license multiple times, each with a different operator.
"Previous instances, where the commission has gone through an application process, we have not encountered that. But, I believe the law would allow for that," said IRGC Administrator Brian Ohorilko.
Non-profit/operator applications are due to the IRGC by November 1st. So far, officials have yet to receive one.
Ho-Chunk, Inc., by the way, is an economic development corporation owned by the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. It was established in 1994, has 26 subsidiaries, and more than 1,400 employees.
