Moorhead Businesses Concerned For Charitable Gaming After Tribal Land Purchase

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — The recent purchase of 280 acres of land by the White Earth Band of Chippewa have many business leaders concerned about what may be built and where the money will go.

“It’s not going to go back to the community, it’s not going to help the community as such. I mean without paying taxes and without giving money to the community, what good is it? I mean it’s going to hurt the youth, it’s going to hurt the city of Moorhead and all the communities around it,” said Dennis Beckerleg, Gaming Manager for Moorhead American Legion.

The land purchased by the tribe is considered sovereign land, meaning it will not be subjected to taxes.

The American Legion in Moorhead has been involved in the community for years with charitable gaming such as pull tabs, electronic games, and bingo, with a percentage of the money going back to the community.

“We’ve paid a hundred forty-six thousand dollars in taxes. So, about a hundred forty-six million dollars goes back directly to the community. And that’s the same with Moorhead youth, Moorhead youth is the biggest operation in town. They’re close to a $19 million operation,” said Beckerleg.

Other businesses such as the Moorhead VFW and Moorhead Youth Hockey also operate their own charitable games. The other concern lies with whether the land will include its own gaming.

“Without having the responsibility of paying taxes to the community, then they can justify any price they want on anything. And us businesses trying to do a business for profit or profit for business whatever way you want to look at it, it’s going to be a struggle,” said Beckerleg.

The tribe says any speculation “regarding specific projects, including gaming facilities, is premature”.

Moorhead American Legion plans to hold a meeting on Monday with business and city leaders.