1 00:00:00,030 --> 00:00:01,109 That's the same, that's the 2 00:00:01,110 --> 00:00:03,389 Alright, good to go. 3 00:00:03,390 --> 00:00:04,289 Alright, thank you for your 4 00:00:04,290 --> 00:00:05,249 patience. 5 00:00:05,250 --> 00:00:06,669 And you can just look directly at me 6 00:00:06,670 --> 00:00:08,229 for this entire interview. 7 00:00:08,230 --> 00:00:09,169 Thank you. 8 00:00:09,170 --> 00:00:10,569 And for our records, can I just have 9 00:00:10,570 --> 00:00:12,669 you slowly say and spell your 10 00:00:12,670 --> 00:00:14,359 first and last name? 11 00:00:14,360 --> 00:00:16,899 Dominic Ortiz, D-O-M-I-N-I 12 00:00:16,900 --> 00:00:18,979 C-O R-T-I Z, 13 00:00:18,980 --> 00:00:20,479 CEO of Pottawatomie Casinos and 14 00:00:20,480 --> 00:00:21,499 Hotels. 15 00:00:21,500 --> 00:00:23,259 And also for our records, can I have 16 00:00:23,260 --> 00:00:24,699 you identify your tribal 17 00:00:24,700 --> 00:00:25,979 affiliation? 18 00:00:25,980 --> 00:00:27,419 And role member of the Prairie Band 19 00:00:27,420 --> 00:00:29,679 Potawatomi Nation of Kansas. 20 00:00:29,680 --> 00:00:31,919 And now, Potawatomi 21 00:00:31,920 --> 00:00:34,759 Casino here in Wisconsin, 22 00:00:34,760 --> 00:00:36,019 in Milwaukee. 23 00:00:36,020 --> 00:00:37,939 Tell us about this fantastic 24 00:00:37,940 --> 00:00:39,699 sports room we're in today. 25 00:00:39,700 --> 00:00:41,519 So, what you are in is 26 00:00:41,520 --> 00:00:43,999 the first retail 27 00:00:44,000 --> 00:00:46,059 sports book by the Forest County 28 00:00:46,060 --> 00:00:47,879 Potawatomi and we have 29 00:00:47,880 --> 00:00:49,819 opened not only just a 30 00:00:49,820 --> 00:00:51,559 sports book but it has become the 31 00:00:51,560 --> 00:00:53,359 number one retail sports book venue 32 00:00:53,360 --> 00:00:54,839 in the country. 33 00:00:54,840 --> 00:00:56,639 So when you say retail and people 34 00:00:56,640 --> 00:00:58,519 are thinking gaming, if they 35 00:00:58,520 --> 00:00:59,759 don't understand, what does that 36 00:00:59,760 --> 00:01:00,539 mean? 37 00:01:00,540 --> 00:01:02,479 So the retail means that you have to 38 00:01:02,480 --> 00:01:04,598 be in person, 39 00:01:04,599 --> 00:01:06,459 physically at the casino location 40 00:01:06,460 --> 00:01:08,339 in order to place a 41 00:01:08,340 --> 00:01:09,249 bet. 42 00:01:09,250 --> 00:01:11,149 And that brings us to the heart of 43 00:01:11,150 --> 00:01:12,769 why we're here today. 44 00:01:12,770 --> 00:01:14,949 AB Bill 601. 45 00:01:14,950 --> 00:01:16,649 Last week I watched for about five 46 00:01:16,650 --> 00:01:18,329 or six hours for them to get down 47 00:01:18,330 --> 00:01:20,109 there. I had already passed in the 48 00:01:20,110 --> 00:01:21,749 assembly and it was brought to the 49 00:01:21,750 --> 00:01:23,469 Senate. And they had some 50 00:01:23,470 --> 00:01:25,349 discussions and it looks like 51 00:01:25,350 --> 00:01:26,669 it's moving forward. 52 00:01:26,670 --> 00:01:28,369 So what are some of your initial 53 00:01:28,370 --> 00:01:30,849 thoughts on the possibility 54 00:01:30,850 --> 00:01:32,929 of online sports 55 00:01:32,930 --> 00:01:34,389 betting here in Milwaukee, in 56 00:01:34,390 --> 00:01:35,859 Wisconsin overall? 57 00:01:35,860 --> 00:01:37,699 Yeah, well, I see this as a big 58 00:01:37,700 --> 00:01:39,659 win for all the tribes and the 59 00:01:39,660 --> 00:01:41,799 state of Wisconsin and the reason 60 00:01:41,800 --> 00:01:43,759 that it's so critical and timing 61 00:01:43,760 --> 00:01:46,119 we wish we had a 62 00:01:46,120 --> 00:01:48,019 longer time frame to 63 00:01:48,020 --> 00:01:50,039 get involved or to put together 64 00:01:50,040 --> 00:01:51,359 solutions. But the fact of the 65 00:01:51,360 --> 00:01:53,319 matter is a multitude 66 00:01:53,320 --> 00:01:55,079 of companies have already opened up 67 00:01:55,080 --> 00:01:56,759 sports betting across the state and 68 00:01:56,760 --> 00:01:58,839 Wisconsin from illegal operators to 69 00:01:58,840 --> 00:02:00,839 offshore to predictions to 70 00:02:00,840 --> 00:02:02,759 sweep stakes to 71 00:02:02,760 --> 00:02:04,739 fantasy draft 72 00:02:04,740 --> 00:02:05,599 plus. So. 73 00:02:05,600 --> 00:02:07,779 When we see that happening, 74 00:02:07,780 --> 00:02:08,799 none of those benefits are coming 75 00:02:08,800 --> 00:02:09,739 back to the state. 76 00:02:09,740 --> 00:02:11,239 And we've had a great model for over 77 00:02:11,240 --> 00:02:13,059 35 years where tribes 78 00:02:13,060 --> 00:02:14,899 have had exclusive gaming rights in 79 00:02:14,900 --> 00:02:16,579 the state and have created 80 00:02:16,580 --> 00:02:18,719 investments in local communities 81 00:02:18,720 --> 00:02:21,079 and facilities and shared millions 82 00:02:21,080 --> 00:02:22,419 and millions of dollars in tax 83 00:02:22,420 --> 00:02:24,539 revenue, kept those benefits in 84 00:02:24,540 --> 00:02:25,919 the State of Wisconsin. 85 00:02:25,920 --> 00:02:28,119 So when we see these benefits 86 00:02:28,120 --> 00:02:29,939 leaving and to 87 00:02:29,940 --> 00:02:32,049 outside operators, it was... 88 00:02:32,050 --> 00:02:33,889 Immediate concern to us to get 89 00:02:33,890 --> 00:02:35,609 with the legislature, to get with 90 00:02:35,610 --> 00:02:36,949 the tribes and talk about it and say 91 00:02:36,950 --> 00:02:38,869 we got an opportunity now. 92 00:02:38,870 --> 00:02:40,169 Hub and spoke model has been 93 00:02:40,170 --> 00:02:41,869 confirmed by the courts and hub and 94 00:02:41,870 --> 00:02:43,809 spoke means that server on on 95 00:02:43,810 --> 00:02:45,409 trust land is where the bet takes 96 00:02:45,410 --> 00:02:47,389 place, allowing us to pursue an 97 00:02:47,390 --> 00:02:48,709 opportunity as you've seen with the 98 00:02:48,710 --> 00:02:50,989 legislation to now 99 00:02:50,990 --> 00:02:52,989 get us one step closer to statewide 100 00:02:52,990 --> 00:02:54,479 mobile sports. 101 00:02:54,480 --> 00:02:55,459 What do you think Governor Ebers 102 00:02:55,460 --> 00:02:56,629 will sign? 103 00:02:56,630 --> 00:02:58,229 Isn't that the question of the day 104 00:02:58,230 --> 00:02:59,129 so uh... 105 00:02:59,130 --> 00:03:00,749 We hope that he will and hope that 106 00:03:00,750 --> 00:03:02,229 uh... He will sit down and listen to 107 00:03:02,230 --> 00:03:04,229 all the tribes and understand how 108 00:03:04,230 --> 00:03:06,389 critically important it is uh... 109 00:03:06,390 --> 00:03:07,889 Not just for the tribes but for the 110 00:03:07,890 --> 00:03:09,409 state of wisconsin if we don't do 111 00:03:09,410 --> 00:03:10,869 anything to sign this bill we're all 112 00:03:10,870 --> 00:03:12,769 going to be left out here with no 113 00:03:12,770 --> 00:03:14,749 options other than retail while 114 00:03:14,750 --> 00:03:16,609 uh... These industries continue 115 00:03:16,610 --> 00:03:18,689 to come out of state and continue 116 00:03:18,690 --> 00:03:19,649 to uh... 117 00:03:19,650 --> 00:03:21,769 Take these benefits out with us we 118 00:03:21,770 --> 00:03:22,989 don't even have the ability to 119 00:03:22,990 --> 00:03:24,269 compete and bring that back i know 120 00:03:24,270 --> 00:03:25,959 for us or a bottle of water, maybe. 121 00:03:25,960 --> 00:03:27,939 This is a big thing for us and that 122 00:03:27,940 --> 00:03:29,579 future includes more investments in 123 00:03:29,580 --> 00:03:31,399 Milwaukee is why we continue to 124 00:03:31,400 --> 00:03:32,229 pursue that. 125 00:03:32,230 --> 00:03:34,129 The governor has said he's not 126 00:03:34,130 --> 00:03:35,949 maybe ready to sign it just yet. 127 00:03:35,950 --> 00:03:37,609 He wants to make sure that all 128 00:03:37,610 --> 00:03:39,549 tribes are on board. 129 00:03:39,550 --> 00:03:40,849 Do you think there's still some 130 00:03:40,850 --> 00:03:42,749 questions that some tribes may 131 00:03:42,750 --> 00:03:44,109 be looking for answers? 132 00:03:44,110 --> 00:03:45,829 Yeah, I certainly think there are 133 00:03:45,830 --> 00:03:47,109 some rocks in the road, but nothing 134 00:03:47,110 --> 00:03:48,629 that we can't break down the pebbles 135 00:03:48,630 --> 00:03:50,029 and move out of the way. 136 00:03:50,030 --> 00:03:51,889 The tribes see this as 137 00:03:51,890 --> 00:03:52,849 a big win. 138 00:03:52,850 --> 00:03:54,869 It's a great partnership with the 139 00:03:54,870 --> 00:03:56,809 state where, yeah, we can get ahead 140 00:03:56,810 --> 00:03:59,009 of this. And we have 141 00:03:59,010 --> 00:04:00,969 proven that we have responsible 142 00:04:00,970 --> 00:04:03,209 gaming. Our tribal-led solution, 143 00:04:03,210 --> 00:04:05,009 we're going to come to market better 144 00:04:05,010 --> 00:04:06,389 than what the outside commercials 145 00:04:06,390 --> 00:04:08,429 did for responsible gaming, 146 00:04:08,430 --> 00:04:10,349 from ID monitoring to know 147 00:04:10,350 --> 00:04:11,519 your customer. 148 00:04:11,520 --> 00:04:13,339 To protections by just allowing 149 00:04:13,340 --> 00:04:15,559 ACH in debit as 150 00:04:15,560 --> 00:04:17,078 your form of payments. 151 00:04:17,079 --> 00:04:18,898 We'll continue to go further from 152 00:04:18,899 --> 00:04:20,739 that. We don't anticipate 153 00:04:20,740 --> 00:04:22,739 or look forward 154 00:04:22,740 --> 00:04:24,459 to any kind of predatory aggressive 155 00:04:24,460 --> 00:04:26,079 practices. These outside commercials 156 00:04:26,080 --> 00:04:27,999 have been charged fine and 157 00:04:28,000 --> 00:04:29,979 have a history of nothing but 158 00:04:29,980 --> 00:04:31,379 those type of practices in the 159 00:04:31,380 --> 00:04:32,599 state. None of that value stays 160 00:04:32,600 --> 00:04:35,299 here. So that's why I think the 161 00:04:35,300 --> 00:04:37,239 legislature got it right, 162 00:04:37,240 --> 00:04:39,219 giving the tribes an opportunity to 163 00:04:39,220 --> 00:04:41,179 generate more tax revenue. 164 00:04:41,180 --> 00:04:42,859 More shared revenue amongst the 165 00:04:42,860 --> 00:04:44,039 nation's and build jobs. 166 00:04:44,040 --> 00:04:45,779 We have over 10,000 jobs local 167 00:04:45,780 --> 00:04:47,179 communities in the state and it's 168 00:04:47,180 --> 00:04:48,279 important that we continue to 169 00:04:48,280 --> 00:04:48,879 support that 170 00:04:48,880 --> 00:04:50,659 So you're working with people that 171 00:04:50,660 --> 00:04:51,979 come in every day. 172 00:04:51,980 --> 00:04:53,819 Are they asking why 173 00:04:53,820 --> 00:04:55,399 don't you have online sports 174 00:04:55,400 --> 00:04:56,509 weddings? 175 00:04:56,510 --> 00:04:58,029 Yeah, that's the question, because 176 00:04:58,030 --> 00:04:59,229 someone may open their phone, I got 177 00:04:59,230 --> 00:05:00,169 it right here. 178 00:05:00,170 --> 00:05:01,509 You know, and it's like, well, that, 179 00:05:01,510 --> 00:05:03,049 that is what we're saying. 180 00:05:03,050 --> 00:05:04,489 And you know, the big message out 181 00:05:04,490 --> 00:05:06,309 there is that individuals are 182 00:05:06,310 --> 00:05:07,309 comfortable with our brand. 183 00:05:07,310 --> 00:05:09,329 When we opened up retail, I mean, 184 00:05:09,330 --> 00:05:11,069 it was nothing but, oh, thank you, 185 00:05:11,070 --> 00:05:12,449 we're so glad we don't have to drive 186 00:05:12,450 --> 00:05:13,669 to that other state that we don't 187 00:05:13,670 --> 00:05:14,869 want to talk about. 188 00:05:14,870 --> 00:05:16,789 We can keep our, we want to keep our 189 00:05:16,790 --> 00:05:18,249 money and our bets in the state of 190 00:05:18,250 --> 00:05:19,989 Wisconsin, and we want a bet with 191 00:05:19,990 --> 00:05:21,279 somebody that knows that... 192 00:05:21,280 --> 00:05:23,419 As a high integrity 193 00:05:23,420 --> 00:05:26,119 and 35 years of responsible gaming, 194 00:05:26,120 --> 00:05:27,659 we're that opportunity for you. 195 00:05:27,660 --> 00:05:29,059 If guests are saying, I have it 196 00:05:29,060 --> 00:05:30,519 right here, how are you going to 197 00:05:30,520 --> 00:05:32,539 drive them to the app 198 00:05:32,540 --> 00:05:34,659 or the next process to use it 199 00:05:34,660 --> 00:05:36,599 here where our tribes in this 200 00:05:36,600 --> 00:05:37,899 state can benefit? 201 00:05:37,900 --> 00:05:39,919 Yeah, so if we're able to go 202 00:05:39,920 --> 00:05:42,039 statewide, we now expand our 203 00:05:42,040 --> 00:05:43,879 reach and growth for not 204 00:05:43,880 --> 00:05:45,819 just a retail sports book to place a 205 00:05:45,820 --> 00:05:47,699 bet in a physical location. 206 00:05:47,700 --> 00:05:49,679 So the statewide expands our margin 207 00:05:49,680 --> 00:05:51,299 throughout the state and allows us 208 00:05:51,300 --> 00:05:53,279 to compete where other states 209 00:05:53,280 --> 00:05:54,979 like Michigan and Illinois have 210 00:05:54,980 --> 00:05:56,999 already have statewide 211 00:05:57,000 --> 00:05:58,199 mobile sports betting. 212 00:05:58,200 --> 00:05:59,879 The hub and spoke model, so how 213 00:05:59,880 --> 00:06:00,880 would that really work? 214 00:06:02,100 --> 00:06:04,539 The hub and spoke model confirmed 215 00:06:04,540 --> 00:06:06,159 in the courts, the way it works is 216 00:06:06,160 --> 00:06:08,179 that right now we're in 217 00:06:08,180 --> 00:06:10,739 a casino on Tribal Trustland. 218 00:06:10,740 --> 00:06:11,819 It's the same concept. 219 00:06:11,820 --> 00:06:13,519 We put the servers on Tribel 220 00:06:13,520 --> 00:06:16,239 Trustland, therefore when 221 00:06:16,240 --> 00:06:17,699 you're sitting at your couch getting 222 00:06:17,700 --> 00:06:19,739 ready to place a bet, you have come 223 00:06:19,740 --> 00:06:21,899 through a spoke all the way to 224 00:06:21,900 --> 00:06:24,039 our hub on the Tribal 225 00:06:24,040 --> 00:06:26,139 Trustland and that bet takes place 226 00:06:26,140 --> 00:06:27,939 on that server here. 227 00:06:27,940 --> 00:06:30,399 So that allows for 228 00:06:30,400 --> 00:06:31,400 statewide gaming. 229 00:06:32,360 --> 00:06:34,079 So would it be like an app or would 230 00:06:34,080 --> 00:06:36,059 they be able to use 231 00:06:36,060 --> 00:06:37,599 it in the way that they had before? 232 00:06:37,600 --> 00:06:38,599 Is it something they have to 233 00:06:38,600 --> 00:06:40,319 download or is it the same process? 234 00:06:40,320 --> 00:06:42,179 Absolutely, all of our apps 235 00:06:42,180 --> 00:06:44,459 would be offered in every store, 236 00:06:44,460 --> 00:06:46,279 available for download across the 237 00:06:46,280 --> 00:06:47,939 phones. That's exactly right. 238 00:06:47,940 --> 00:06:49,399 You download the app, you would go 239 00:06:49,400 --> 00:06:50,619 through our Consumer Protection 240 00:06:50,620 --> 00:06:52,579 Responsible Gaming Controls and 241 00:06:52,580 --> 00:06:54,619 download it and set up and you're 242 00:06:54,620 --> 00:06:56,119 off to the races, ready for your 243 00:06:56,120 --> 00:06:58,319 parlays and ready for all 244 00:06:58,320 --> 00:06:59,539 the sports betting action you can 245 00:06:59,540 --> 00:07:00,129 handle. 246 00:07:00,130 --> 00:07:01,949 So you're excited and hopeful that 247 00:07:01,950 --> 00:07:03,449 this will come together. 248 00:07:03,450 --> 00:07:05,609 I am, you know, I truly believe that 249 00:07:05,610 --> 00:07:07,729 this is a great opportunity 250 00:07:07,730 --> 00:07:09,369 for the tribes and the state. 251 00:07:09,370 --> 00:07:11,389 I know that big beliefs 252 00:07:11,390 --> 00:07:13,009 that we'll be able to come together 253 00:07:13,010 --> 00:07:14,949 at the table and that 254 00:07:14,950 --> 00:07:16,829 they'll see this as 255 00:07:16,830 --> 00:07:18,409 a benefit. You know, we don't want 256 00:07:18,410 --> 00:07:20,429 to sit back for another year or two 257 00:07:20,430 --> 00:07:22,209 or three and not have the 258 00:07:22,210 --> 00:07:24,549 opportunity to engage Wisconsin 259 00:07:24,550 --> 00:07:26,029 and keep these benefits here. 260 00:07:26,030 --> 00:07:27,849 We're only giving a leg up and 261 00:07:27,850 --> 00:07:29,209 sending money out of the state if we 262 00:07:29,210 --> 00:07:30,929 don't t allow to get in front of 263 00:07:30,930 --> 00:07:33,579 this and bring this market. 264 00:07:33,580 --> 00:07:34,589 To fruition. 265 00:07:34,590 --> 00:07:36,649 Some of the opposers to 266 00:07:36,650 --> 00:07:38,089 the bill, some of the lawmakers, did 267 00:07:38,090 --> 00:07:39,229 mention some of the safeguards that 268 00:07:39,230 --> 00:07:41,029 you talked about, but how will they 269 00:07:41,030 --> 00:07:43,049 actually be implemented on these 270 00:07:43,050 --> 00:07:44,259 apps for people? 271 00:07:44,260 --> 00:07:46,679 Yeah, in our minds that's 272 00:07:46,680 --> 00:07:49,099 again a stringent 273 00:07:49,100 --> 00:07:51,059 ID monitoring and 274 00:07:51,060 --> 00:07:52,939 verification process and know your 275 00:07:52,940 --> 00:07:54,939 customer and our 276 00:07:54,940 --> 00:07:56,739 ability to, our new tools are 277 00:07:56,740 --> 00:07:59,219 advanced and have us the ability to 278 00:07:59,220 --> 00:08:01,159 manage and look for 279 00:08:01,160 --> 00:08:03,179 problem gambling so we can deal with 280 00:08:03,180 --> 00:08:05,119 it before it occurs and then just 281 00:08:05,120 --> 00:08:06,879 our overall investment in 282 00:08:06,880 --> 00:08:08,279 responsible gaming throughout the 283 00:08:08,280 --> 00:08:10,479 state and our commitment to these 284 00:08:10,480 --> 00:08:13,079 appropriate practices. 285 00:08:13,080 --> 00:08:14,639 Aggressive predatory that we've seen 286 00:08:14,640 --> 00:08:15,800 from these out guys who have a 287 00:08:15,801 --> 00:08:17,319 multitude of violations and 288 00:08:17,320 --> 00:08:18,659 jurisdictions would like to believe 289 00:08:18,660 --> 00:08:19,579 that they're the answer to your 290 00:08:19,580 --> 00:08:20,879 solution, but it's not. 291 00:08:20,880 --> 00:08:22,959 We've seen success here in Wisconsin 292 00:08:22,960 --> 00:08:24,999 with this current framework, 293 00:08:25,000 --> 00:08:26,839 and we know we can deliver a 294 00:08:26,840 --> 00:08:27,959 competitive environment. 295 00:08:27,960 --> 00:08:30,139 I believe our app is incrementally 296 00:08:30,140 --> 00:08:31,739 above the competition and even the 297 00:08:31,740 --> 00:08:33,558 commercials. We've worked hard to 298 00:08:33,559 --> 00:08:35,259 make sure that we develop that. 299 00:08:35,260 --> 00:08:37,038 So I would say give us a chance, 300 00:08:37,039 --> 00:08:38,558 hear the table, and let's let 301 00:08:38,559 --> 00:08:39,749 Wisconsin bet. 302 00:08:39,750 --> 00:08:41,209 And it would keep money in the state 303 00:08:41,210 --> 00:08:42,639 and within the tribe. 304 00:08:42,640 --> 00:08:44,679 Absolutely, you know, absolutely. 305 00:08:44,680 --> 00:08:46,939 With What's at Stake, we don't 306 00:08:46,940 --> 00:08:48,439 need them outside to come in and 307 00:08:48,440 --> 00:08:50,519 serve this market and shift it out. 308 00:08:50,520 --> 00:08:52,279 The way that we keep the jobs and 309 00:08:52,280 --> 00:08:53,859 support the communities and for us 310 00:08:53,860 --> 00:08:55,579 to continue to reinvest in the city 311 00:08:55,580 --> 00:08:57,399 of Milwaukee, this is the 312 00:08:57,400 --> 00:08:58,219 pathway forward. 313 00:08:58,220 --> 00:09:00,159 Our ability to engage our customers 314 00:09:00,160 --> 00:09:02,299 and continue to build 315 00:09:02,300 --> 00:09:03,699 responsible gaming across the state 316 00:09:03,700 --> 00:09:04,329 of Wisconsin. 317 00:09:04,330 --> 00:09:05,909 But how would it impact the 318 00:09:05,910 --> 00:09:07,469 relationships that you may already 319 00:09:07,470 --> 00:09:09,169 have with DraftKings and other 320 00:09:09,170 --> 00:09:10,679 companies like them? 321 00:09:10,680 --> 00:09:12,159 Well you know at the end of the day 322 00:09:12,160 --> 00:09:13,939 we provided opportunities and 323 00:09:13,940 --> 00:09:15,119 clearly laid out the line. 324 00:09:15,120 --> 00:09:16,659 You know if you're willing to abide 325 00:09:16,660 --> 00:09:18,939 by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act 326 00:09:18,940 --> 00:09:21,199 then you're allowed into 327 00:09:21,200 --> 00:09:22,580 our competitive environment at the 328 00:09:22,581 --> 00:09:23,568 end of day. 329 00:09:23,569 --> 00:09:25,289 So will new compacts have to be 330 00:09:25,290 --> 00:09:26,318 made? 331 00:09:26,319 --> 00:09:27,799 Absolutely, and I'm glad you brought 332 00:09:27,800 --> 00:09:29,699 that up because, you know, 333 00:09:29,700 --> 00:09:31,879 I believe that hopeful that 334 00:09:31,880 --> 00:09:33,099 the governor will listen to the 335 00:09:33,100 --> 00:09:34,599 tribes and we seize the majority of 336 00:09:34,600 --> 00:09:35,999 these and want the less Wisconsin 337 00:09:36,000 --> 00:09:37,819 bet. If he signs that, on 338 00:09:37,820 --> 00:09:39,239 the other side of that, we will work 339 00:09:39,240 --> 00:09:41,059 through this compact process 340 00:09:41,060 --> 00:09:43,019 in a unified front across all 341 00:09:43,020 --> 00:09:45,259 the tribes to bring together the 342 00:09:45,260 --> 00:09:46,859 right solution in a timely manner 343 00:09:46,860 --> 00:09:48,279 because this is already happening 344 00:09:48,280 --> 00:09:50,239 and we're losing out on opportunity. 345 00:09:50,240 --> 00:09:52,139 So for us, it's critical 346 00:09:52,140 --> 00:09:54,479 that we let Wisconsin 347 00:09:54,480 --> 00:09:55,329 bet." 348 00:09:55,330 --> 00:09:57,469 And people will think casinos, 349 00:09:57,470 --> 00:09:59,129 they're bringing in a lot of money, 350 00:09:59,130 --> 00:10:01,309 but how does it really 351 00:10:01,310 --> 00:10:03,209 get down to impacting the 352 00:10:03,210 --> 00:10:04,829 tribes and how is the money being 353 00:10:04,830 --> 00:10:05,709 used? 354 00:10:05,710 --> 00:10:07,649 So our tribes, of 355 00:10:07,650 --> 00:10:09,469 course, run a 356 00:10:09,470 --> 00:10:11,349 full tribal government that provides 357 00:10:11,350 --> 00:10:13,849 critical services to our elder, 358 00:10:13,850 --> 00:10:16,209 to our language revitalization, 359 00:10:16,210 --> 00:10:18,249 to emergency services, to roads 360 00:10:18,250 --> 00:10:19,789 and infrastructure in and around 361 00:10:19,790 --> 00:10:21,349 their local community. 362 00:10:21,350 --> 00:10:23,209 So the tribes have 363 00:10:23,210 --> 00:10:25,049 shown for 35 years that they 364 00:10:25,050 --> 00:10:27,029 continue to invest in the 365 00:10:27,030 --> 00:10:28,829 communities that they've been a part 366 00:10:28,830 --> 00:10:29,889 of for hundreds of years. 367 00:10:29,890 --> 00:10:31,449 This is their home, this is what 368 00:10:31,450 --> 00:10:32,450 they want to protect. 369 00:10:34,480 --> 00:10:36,319 We just see that the benefit 370 00:10:36,320 --> 00:10:38,519 is this 371 00:10:38,520 --> 00:10:40,399 is where it belongs in the state 372 00:10:40,400 --> 00:10:41,919 with the tribes and continue to 373 00:10:41,920 --> 00:10:43,359 allow us to grow. 374 00:10:43,360 --> 00:10:45,159 And if the governor signs is the 375 00:10:45,160 --> 00:10:47,239 next step to the BIA and 376 00:10:47,240 --> 00:10:48,599 getting the federal government on 377 00:10:48,600 --> 00:10:50,019 board, any thoughts on that, and 378 00:10:50,020 --> 00:10:51,419 will they support? 379 00:10:51,420 --> 00:10:53,339 Yeah well I certainly think 380 00:10:53,340 --> 00:10:55,219 they would and our 381 00:10:55,220 --> 00:10:57,459 approach would be to work in 382 00:10:57,460 --> 00:10:59,339 a unified mission across all 383 00:10:59,340 --> 00:11:01,239 the tribes in a model compacting 384 00:11:01,240 --> 00:11:03,059 process that would deliver a 385 00:11:03,060 --> 00:11:04,979 fair and equitable solution for 386 00:11:04,980 --> 00:11:06,269 the market. 387 00:11:06,270 --> 00:11:08,189 Another question I want to ask you. 388 00:11:08,190 --> 00:11:09,649 There's been a change. 389 00:11:09,650 --> 00:11:10,969 The amount that's being considered 390 00:11:10,970 --> 00:11:13,049 for a jackpot has been risen from 391 00:11:13,050 --> 00:11:14,889 1,200 to 2,000. 392 00:11:14,890 --> 00:11:16,729 How does that higher threshold for 393 00:11:16,730 --> 00:11:18,529 what's considered a jack pot affect 394 00:11:18,530 --> 00:11:19,739 guests here? 395 00:11:19,740 --> 00:11:22,059 Well, it actually provides a 396 00:11:22,060 --> 00:11:23,399 better gaming experience. 397 00:11:23,400 --> 00:11:25,439 I don't have to stop every time 398 00:11:25,440 --> 00:11:27,759 a machine hits 1,200. 399 00:11:27,760 --> 00:11:29,039 I mean, we pay out millions in 400 00:11:29,040 --> 00:11:30,379 jackpots on a daily basis. 401 00:11:30,380 --> 00:11:32,339 So you can imagine how many times a 402 00:11:32,340 --> 00:11:33,519 1, 200 mark gets hit. 403 00:11:33,520 --> 00:11:35,339 So now you can stay in 404 00:11:35,340 --> 00:11:36,259 play and in action. 405 00:11:36,260 --> 00:11:38,299 And we don't to initiate that 406 00:11:38,300 --> 00:11:40,519 W2G until 2000. 407 00:11:40,520 --> 00:11:42,499 So it's less work, less 408 00:11:42,500 --> 00:11:44,199 transactions that we have to do on 409 00:11:44,200 --> 00:11:46,179 the floor. And we allow the 410 00:11:46,180 --> 00:11:47,879 player experience to be a little 411 00:11:47,880 --> 00:11:49,199 more seamless and a little more 412 00:11:49,200 --> 00:11:50,299 engaged. 413 00:11:50,300 --> 00:11:52,279 And another question, under new tax 414 00:11:52,280 --> 00:11:54,099 laws after Jackpot, 415 00:11:54,100 --> 00:11:55,919 gamblers can see a write-off 416 00:11:55,920 --> 00:11:57,839 of 90% of their gambling losses 417 00:11:57,840 --> 00:11:59,399 instead of 100%. 418 00:11:59,400 --> 00:12:01,299 How does this impact customers and 419 00:12:01,300 --> 00:12:01,959 the casino? 420 00:12:01,960 --> 00:12:03,779 Yeah, you know, that impacts each 421 00:12:03,780 --> 00:12:05,579 individual differently, but we 422 00:12:05,580 --> 00:12:07,399 certainly, you know, in the 423 00:12:07,400 --> 00:12:08,799 industry would like to see that 424 00:12:08,800 --> 00:12:09,800 change. 425 00:12:10,350 --> 00:12:12,209 So last week was a 426 00:12:12,210 --> 00:12:14,029 positive week for 427 00:12:14,030 --> 00:12:16,089 online sports betting, and you're 428 00:12:16,090 --> 00:12:17,749 hoping that things continue to go on 429 00:12:17,750 --> 00:12:18,619 that track. 430 00:12:18,620 --> 00:12:20,759 Yeah, this legislation was certainly 431 00:12:20,760 --> 00:12:22,659 a win for making us 432 00:12:22,660 --> 00:12:24,799 one step closer to statewide 433 00:12:24,800 --> 00:12:26,539 mobile sports betting, and we see 434 00:12:26,540 --> 00:12:27,859 that as a win from the tribes and 435 00:12:27,860 --> 00:12:28,639 the state. 436 00:12:28,640 --> 00:12:30,659 And for the lawmakers who were 437 00:12:30,660 --> 00:12:32,199 concerned and made some comments 438 00:12:32,200 --> 00:12:33,779 about, follow the money and 439 00:12:33,780 --> 00:12:35,319 question, is this dirty money? 440 00:12:35,320 --> 00:12:37,029 How would you respond to that? 441 00:12:37,030 --> 00:12:39,009 Yeah, I would look to the 35 442 00:12:39,010 --> 00:12:40,889 years of history of tribal 443 00:12:40,890 --> 00:12:42,649 gaming and the relationships that we 444 00:12:42,650 --> 00:12:44,969 have. Look at what we have created, 445 00:12:44,970 --> 00:12:46,489 the responsible gaming, the 446 00:12:46,490 --> 00:12:48,049 communities, the infrastructure and 447 00:12:48,050 --> 00:12:49,469 the jobs. Believe in us. 448 00:12:49,470 --> 00:12:51,329 We will deliver and this 449 00:12:51,330 --> 00:12:52,889 is a partnership you can count on 450 00:12:52,890 --> 00:12:54,669 and we will protect the consumers. 451 00:12:54,670 --> 00:12:56,749 We will bring responsible gaming 452 00:12:56,750 --> 00:12:57,669 to a next level. 453 00:12:57,670 --> 00:12:59,749 They made the right choice. 454 00:12:59,750 --> 00:13:01,269 These outside operators don't care 455 00:13:01,270 --> 00:13:02,129 about Wisconsin. 456 00:13:02,130 --> 00:13:03,489 These are elite guys sitting out in 457 00:13:03,490 --> 00:13:04,989 New York and Boston. 458 00:13:04,990 --> 00:13:07,009 This is the homeland, this is the 459 00:13:07,010 --> 00:13:08,349 Great Lakes, this is where it 460 00:13:08,350 --> 00:13:09,729 belongs and we need to keep these 461 00:13:09,730 --> 00:13:11,249 benefits here and protect the land, 462 00:13:11,250 --> 00:13:12,549 protect the people and continue to 463 00:13:12,550 --> 00:13:13,879 drive economics. 464 00:13:13,880 --> 00:13:15,499 And lastly, this report will not 465 00:13:15,500 --> 00:13:17,319 only be on PBS Wisconsin for 466 00:13:17,320 --> 00:13:19,019 our whole state to watch, but also 467 00:13:19,020 --> 00:13:20,859 with ICT Indian Country 468 00:13:20,860 --> 00:13:22,979 today, a much larger reach. 469 00:13:22,980 --> 00:13:24,479 Any other thoughts that you want to 470 00:13:24,480 --> 00:13:26,439 share to the larger national Native 471 00:13:26,440 --> 00:13:27,259 community? 472 00:13:27,260 --> 00:13:28,959 Yeah, come see me next week. 473 00:13:28,960 --> 00:13:30,539 I'll be talking about the Hub and 474 00:13:30,540 --> 00:13:32,419 Spoke model with tribal leaders 475 00:13:32,420 --> 00:13:34,759 from the San Manuel Nation. 476 00:13:34,760 --> 00:13:36,559 I also have a representative from 477 00:13:36,560 --> 00:13:38,759 the Stockbridge Muncie Nation 478 00:13:38,760 --> 00:13:40,579 will be joining us in center 479 00:13:40,580 --> 00:13:42,559 stage to talk about the success 480 00:13:42,560 --> 00:13:44,539 of Hub and spoke and how Hub and 481 00:13:44,540 --> 00:13:46,579 spoke can help you exercise 482 00:13:46,580 --> 00:13:48,699 your sovereignty and continue to 483 00:13:48,700 --> 00:13:50,759 push and support tribes in 484 00:13:50,760 --> 00:13:52,359 the way that we have been successful 485 00:13:52,360 --> 00:13:52,929 before. 486 00:13:52,930 --> 00:13:54,449 Because it's in Florida, right? 487 00:13:54,450 --> 00:13:55,409 Did it start in Florida? 488 00:13:55,410 --> 00:13:56,889 It did, the hub and spoke model 489 00:13:56,890 --> 00:13:58,869 started in Florida and was affirmed 490 00:13:58,870 --> 00:14:00,809 by the courts and that recently 491 00:14:00,810 --> 00:14:01,789 came upon us. 492 00:14:01,790 --> 00:14:02,989 You know five years ago tribes 493 00:14:02,990 --> 00:14:04,769 didn't have the ability to push 494 00:14:04,770 --> 00:14:06,609 force this hub and spoke model so 495 00:14:06,610 --> 00:14:08,149 to the other tribal nations watch 496 00:14:08,150 --> 00:14:09,329 what we're doing. 497 00:14:09,330 --> 00:14:10,969 We have had a multitude of the 498 00:14:10,970 --> 00:14:12,469 biggest nations across the country 499 00:14:12,470 --> 00:14:14,809 have opined and helped us 500 00:14:14,810 --> 00:14:17,109 set this path and prepare because we 501 00:14:17,110 --> 00:14:19,169 know that this above all 502 00:14:19,170 --> 00:14:20,749 thing is an exorcision of 503 00:14:20,750 --> 00:14:23,339 sovereignty and ability to create. 504 00:14:23,340 --> 00:14:24,999 Local economics for the state and 505 00:14:25,000 --> 00:14:26,699 the tribe and to keep it here, to 506 00:14:26,700 --> 00:14:27,929 keep it here. 507 00:14:27,930 --> 00:14:29,390 And lastly, within those compacts, I 508 00:14:29,391 --> 00:14:31,209 just want to understand, 509 00:14:31,210 --> 00:14:33,289 is that a renegotiation or new 510 00:14:33,290 --> 00:14:35,169 negotiation for online and how 511 00:14:35,170 --> 00:14:37,009 much the casinos would give 512 00:14:37,010 --> 00:14:37,849 to the state? 513 00:14:37,850 --> 00:14:40,009 Absolutely, all those details would 514 00:14:40,010 --> 00:14:41,829 be for discussion in the model 515 00:14:41,830 --> 00:14:42,689 compacting process. 516 00:14:42,690 --> 00:14:44,249 Would that be different per casino 517 00:14:44,250 --> 00:14:46,229 or would it be overall for 518 00:14:46,230 --> 00:14:47,149 the state? 519 00:14:47,150 --> 00:14:48,969 Yeah, in general, we 520 00:14:48,970 --> 00:14:50,349 are going to keep a unified 521 00:14:50,350 --> 00:14:52,469 approach, so we hope to bring 522 00:14:52,470 --> 00:14:54,629 a fairly similar unified 523 00:14:54,630 --> 00:14:56,369 compact to the table that we all 524 00:14:56,370 --> 00:14:57,709 agreed on to make it easy for the 525 00:14:57,710 --> 00:14:58,509 state and the tribes. 526 00:14:58,510 --> 00:15:00,489 Okay, I wanted that clarification. 527 00:15:00,490 --> 00:15:01,909 Thank you so much for this interview 528 00:15:01,910 --> 00:15:03,369 today. Thank you. 529 00:15:03,370 --> 00:15:04,969 Before I wrap it up, I want to just 530 00:15:04,970 --> 00:15:06,549 take a minute or two and just get a 531 00:15:06,550 --> 00:15:08,089 wide shot of you guys just 532 00:15:08,090 --> 00:15:08,989 conversing. Okay. 533 00:15:08,990 --> 00:15:11,549 So if you could stick to the topic. 534 00:15:11,550 --> 00:15:12,750 All right, yep, yep. 535 00:15:14,050 --> 00:15:16,009 I'm not much of a 536 00:15:16,010 --> 00:15:17,849 gambler, but I like the slot 537 00:15:17,850 --> 00:15:19,049 machine. Okay. 538 00:15:19,050 --> 00:15:20,329 The slot machine is my thing. 539 00:15:20,330 --> 00:15:21,809 I used to play blackjack when I was 540 00:15:21,810 --> 00:15:23,029 a teenager. Yeah. 541 00:15:23,030 --> 00:15:24,109 But I don't play anywhere. 542 00:15:24,110 --> 00:15:25,769 I may try it from time to time, but 543 00:15:25,770 --> 00:15:26,059 yeah. 544 00:15:26,060 --> 00:15:28,509 Nah, I haven't shot crafts at all. 545 00:15:28,510 --> 00:15:29,429 But now let's jump in. It's a little 546 00:15:29,430 --> 00:15:29,979 scary. 547 00:15:29,980 --> 00:15:30,859 Of that is different. 548 00:15:30,860 --> 00:15:32,679 You know the brothers in the hood. 549 00:15:32,680 --> 00:15:33,069 Yeah 550 00:15:33,070 --> 00:15:33,559 Yeah. 551 00:15:33,560 --> 00:15:35,399 Was you playing a Burger King back 552 00:15:35,400 --> 00:15:36,239 then? 553 00:15:36,240 --> 00:15:37,499 I know I did, you know. 554 00:15:37,500 --> 00:15:39,379 Pulled tables in people's houses, 555 00:15:39,380 --> 00:15:40,759 right? 7-Eleven, there wasn't much 556 00:15:40,760 --> 00:15:41,719 to bet on, was there? 557 00:15:41,720 --> 00:15:43,159 No, it wasn't. No, just dollars on 558 00:15:43,160 --> 00:15:44,079 the table. Not that I know anything 559 00:15:44,080 --> 00:15:44,439 about that. 560 00:15:44,440 --> 00:15:46,579 No, no, those days are over, 561 00:15:46,580 --> 00:15:48,219 but you know, we knew, yeah, we 562 00:15:48,220 --> 00:15:50,199 knew, we, we know, 563 00:15:50,200 --> 00:15:52,059 and I love, love the movie 564 00:15:52,060 --> 00:15:53,060 Casino. 565 00:15:53,980 --> 00:15:55,259 Absolutely, I could probably recite 566 00:15:55,260 --> 00:15:56,779 it word for word. Ginger? 567 00:15:56,780 --> 00:15:57,759 Yeah, that's my girl. 568 00:15:57,760 --> 00:15:58,760 That's right. 569 00:15:59,600 --> 00:16:01,499 That's my, that my girl, 570 00:16:01,500 --> 00:16:03,359 but it sounds like, you know we 571 00:16:03,360 --> 00:16:05,219 could see in a month from now, 572 00:16:05,220 --> 00:16:07,159 you know, there could be a signature 573 00:16:07,160 --> 00:16:08,079 sign. 574 00:16:08,080 --> 00:16:10,039 Yeah, we hope so and hope 575 00:16:10,040 --> 00:16:12,399 that, you know, 576 00:16:12,400 --> 00:16:14,279 he takes merit of all the 577 00:16:14,280 --> 00:16:15,679 key merits of what we bring to the 578 00:16:15,680 --> 00:16:17,559 table, you now, and look at 579 00:16:17,560 --> 00:16:20,539 what we're unified on and 580 00:16:20,540 --> 00:16:22,019 make a fair decision. 581 00:16:22,020 --> 00:16:23,539 You know, it's tough to get 100 582 00:16:23,540 --> 00:16:25,459 percent of everybody in a row, okay, 583 00:16:25,460 --> 00:16:27,419 and it's just a fact of life 584 00:16:27,420 --> 00:16:28,619 that we all don't have equal 585 00:16:28,620 --> 00:16:30,459 resources at the end of the day, so 586 00:16:30,460 --> 00:16:32,339 I would just, you, know, hope 587 00:16:32,340 --> 00:16:34,219 that he listens to the 588 00:16:34,220 --> 00:16:35,220 tribes, you. 589 00:16:36,470 --> 00:16:37,769 Open your heart and hear what they 590 00:16:37,770 --> 00:16:38,989 have to say and why this is 591 00:16:38,990 --> 00:16:40,369 important not for the tribes but for 592 00:16:40,370 --> 00:16:40,679 the state 593 00:16:40,680 --> 00:16:42,739 give us a chance, sign the 594 00:16:42,740 --> 00:16:44,599 line, give 595 00:16:44,600 --> 00:16:45,700 us the chance to come together. 596 00:16:46,910 --> 00:16:48,619 Don't sign a compact. 597 00:16:48,620 --> 00:16:50,239 Do you have some meetings coming up, 598 00:16:50,240 --> 00:16:51,159 or does he... 599 00:16:51,160 --> 00:16:51,880 Yeah, well... 600 00:16:51,881 --> 00:16:54,079 Well, we're heading tomorrow for 601 00:16:54,080 --> 00:16:56,179 our next Tribal Alliance meeting. 602 00:16:56,180 --> 00:16:58,119 We've held all tribe meetings and 603 00:16:58,120 --> 00:17:00,219 this is our third of all 11 nations 604 00:17:00,220 --> 00:17:02,279 in Wisconsin as we continue 605 00:17:02,280 --> 00:17:04,338 to push this legislation forward and 606 00:17:04,339 --> 00:17:06,559 support the model compact process. 607 00:17:06,560 --> 00:17:08,118 So we've got another meeting up in 608 00:17:08,119 --> 00:17:10,179 the Menominee Rest tomorrow with all 609 00:17:10,180 --> 00:17:12,179 11 Nations and Tribal leaders and 610 00:17:12,180 --> 00:17:14,539 we're asking everybody on the board, 611 00:17:14,540 --> 00:17:16,459 let's understand where you're 612 00:17:16,460 --> 00:17:18,499 at and what can we do to make sure 613 00:17:18,500 --> 00:17:20,059 that you're on board because we feel 614 00:17:20,060 --> 00:17:21,239 the majority of the tribes are all 615 00:17:21,240 --> 00:17:23,199 on board. Let's talk about that and 616 00:17:23,200 --> 00:17:24,919 let's work through that because this 617 00:17:24,920 --> 00:17:26,739 is a partnership 618 00:17:26,740 --> 00:17:28,819 and this is a big move as 619 00:17:28,820 --> 00:17:31,739 we're the first state with 620 00:17:31,740 --> 00:17:33,839 multiple tribes to 621 00:17:33,840 --> 00:17:35,299 attempt to put in a hub and spoke 622 00:17:35,300 --> 00:17:37,159 model in order to protect 623 00:17:37,160 --> 00:17:38,539 our sovereignty and protect our 624 00:17:38,540 --> 00:17:40,439 markets. These commercials want to 625 00:17:40,440 --> 00:17:42,199 break their exclusivity and just say 626 00:17:42,200 --> 00:17:43,779 I don't care if you pay taxes for 35 627 00:17:43,780 --> 00:17:45,059 years, I'm here at Doorstep and I 628 00:17:45,060 --> 00:17:46,060 should be turning this. 629 00:17:46,950 --> 00:17:48,309 In the state, the tribes don't get 630 00:17:48,310 --> 00:17:49,979 any of that money. 631 00:17:49,980 --> 00:17:51,899 No, no, in fact it's, 632 00:17:51,900 --> 00:17:54,059 in my eyes, yeah, it's 633 00:17:54,060 --> 00:17:55,979 aggressive, it is predatory, you 634 00:17:55,980 --> 00:17:57,699 look to divide and conquer and to 635 00:17:57,700 --> 00:17:59,859 get access to a market, no 636 00:17:59,860 --> 00:18:01,879 matter what, and send your money 637 00:18:01,880 --> 00:18:02,799 back to the hedge fund. 638 00:18:02,800 --> 00:18:04,658 Where do we send ours to? 639 00:18:04,659 --> 00:18:07,039 Hoping to relearn our language, 640 00:18:07,040 --> 00:18:08,040 hoping to teach...