Ho-Chunk Nation accelerates $405M Beloit casino after leadership shift

A change in leadership reignites a $405M dream. After years of delays, Beloit's casino project is back on track—with big promises for local revenue and jobs.

, and Administrator

2026 May 12 . 2:15 PM

1 min read

The image shows a black and white drawing of a group of tents in a wooded area, with a cart on the... — The image shows a black and white drawing of a group of tents in a wooded area, with a cart on the left side, people, plants, trees, and huts in the background, and clouds in the sky. At the bottom of the image, there is text which reads "American Indians in the American West".

Ho-Chunk Nation accelerates $405M Beloit casino after leadership shift

The Ho-Chunk Nation is pushing ahead with its long-planned casino project in Beloit. After securing state and federal approval, the tribe’s newly elected president, Jon Greendeer, has reaffirmed his commitment to the development. The ambitious scheme includes not just a casino but also a hotel, conference centre, and water park.

The project faced uncertainty under the previous administration. Former president Marlon White Eagle had expressed doubts about moving forward. But since Greendeer took office, the tribe has accelerated plans, conducting further due diligence to finalise details.

The casino’s estimated cost stands at $405 million. Once operational, the city of Beloit will receive 70% of the net revenue, while Rock County will take 30%. This financial boost comes at a critical time, as Wisconsin tribes saw net gaming income drop by nearly 31% during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. Despite these challenges, Ho-Chunk’s existing gambling operations have remained resilient. The current leadership remains focused on completing the project. With approvals in place and a clear revenue-sharing agreement, the tribe is now working to turn the Beloit casino into a reality.

The Beloit casino represents a major investment for the Ho-Chunk Nation. Its completion would bring significant revenue to both the city and county. After years of planning and setbacks, the project is now closer than ever to breaking ground.