Treasure Island Minnesota

No one would expect to see a waterfall entrance, exotic live plants, hot tubs, and a rain forest setting in the upper Midwest, particularly not in Minnesota. However, Treasure Island Resort & Casino has all that in its latest 250-room hotel, which is a blend of Dutch West Indies and Plantation style décor. If a hotel is not for you, the resort also boasts a marina with 137 transient slips. Water and electric hookups are available, and bathroom, shower, gas, and laundry facilities are provided for guests. An RV park can accommodate up to 95 vehicles.

The historic town of Red Wing, Minnesota on the Mississippi River is home to Treasure Island, located a few minutes away. Treasure Island is an Indian resort that has four different casinos, and at least one of them is currently a non-smoking environment. The latest slot machines cheerfully entice new players, along with blackjack tables, bingo, video keno and other favorite games. As with Las Vegas casinos, they operate 24 hours a day, year-round. The resort also hosts a busy online casino. As far as entertainment, the resort brings in national and international singers and other productions.

Prosperity has been of benefit to the Prairie Island Indian Community that owns Treasure Island. They have been generous in helping worthy causes. However, those who grew up in extreme poverty are afraid the better times might not last. This stems partly from the fact that the state of Minnesota seems to be reversing itself; there is talk of the state getting into the gaming business, outside of already operating the state lottery.

Don't Indian Tribes Make Tons of Money, Anyway?

Indian tribes, in fact, do not make a huge amount of money with casinos, unless they are located near urban population centers. After they pay out prize money, pay off debt, and cover operating expenses, tribal councils might be able to keep 10 percent of the amount that visitors wager. In some cases, any profit margin would come from food and beverage sales, depending on the location. Even so, in the rural areas especially, casinos provide much needed employment, which boosts income levels.