Unable to compete with casinos, St. Croix wants to become one. It stays open in hopes of someday obtaining approval to fill the clubhouse with slots and card tables. We're hanging in as long as there's a shot at getting it . . . There's a huge difference between winning and not winning. The money would be split four ways, among the track and three Wisconsin American Indian tribes that are its partners in the venture.
Tribal participation is needed in order for the track to qualify under federal law to run a casino.
The track has been fighting a lengthy legal battle against the U.S. Interior Department to overturn its decision blocking a casino. The agency cited local opposition and other factors in its ruling, but Havenick accused Minnesota tribes with casinos of making political contributions to head off potential competition. In any case, slot machines don't have much appeal for some regulars at St. Croix Meadows. It's intense with the machines. You see some people sitting there, transfixed.