White Earth Nation Plans $176M Casino Near Moorhead

White Earth Nation has moved forward with plans to develop a large casino and hospitality complex near Moorhead, releasing a summary of findings that outline the economic promise and potential challenges of the project.

Moorhead Area Casino Project Projects Hundreds of Jobs and $176M Investment

The development, which would sit on land the tribe bought in late 2024, would be near Interstate 94 and Highway 336. According to public records, the purchase was for just under $4 million for more than 280 acres. The site is meant to be home to a broad entertainment destination, with gaming, lodging, and event facilities, as reported by WZFG. 

The study, done by a consulting firm that specializes in tribal gaming projects, estimates the total construction investment at $176.8 million. The plans include a casino floor with hundreds of slot-style machines and a few table games. The complex would also include a hotel with around 200 rooms, a large ballroom, meeting facilities, restaurants, bars, and retail space. The plan also includes parking infrastructure and an RV park. 

The construction phase alone is expected to generate several hundred jobs, and hourly wages have been estimated to be relatively high for the sector. Once operational, the venue could employ some 600 full-time workers and over 100 part-timers. Full-time jobs with average annual salaries over $50,000 are projected to lead local income growth. 

Casino Project Forecasts Over 1M Visitors and Strong Economic Gains

Visitor counts are expected to top one million annually, with the majority coming from outside Clay County. This influx is expected to help not just the casino itself but also businesses nearby, especially hospitality and retail. Analysts say the project could have an economic impact of more than $175 million for the county and close to $245 million across the state. 

From a public finance perspective, the deal is expected to generate more than $25 million per year in tax revenues for various levels of government. However, the study also notes other costs, including an estimated $1.4 million in increased demand for public services such as law enforcement and emergency response.

Environmental issues have also been threatened, especially the protection of a regional aquifer that supplies water to nearby communities. Water resource protection remains a priority, tribal leadership has stated, and will be part of the discussion as planning moves forward. The projections are optimistic, but the project is not a sure thing. It still needs federal approval to put the land into trust status and reach a gaming agreement with the state. Until those steps are completed, the timeline for construction will not be known.