Shooting Star plans new casino in Bagley

Designed by Minneapolis-based Cuningham Group, construction will begin in September and is slated for completion in the spring, a release from the company said. Officials said the casino would create 40 new jobs for White Earth tribal members and others in the surrounding communities.

"We are immensely excited to announce our plans for the new Shooting Star Casino in Bagley," Bill Marsh, general manager of Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen, said in the release. "After extensive research, we found that we have an impressive customer base visiting Mahnomen from this region and a large population in the surrounding areas who desire a first-class gaming entertainment experience. We believe the best way to accommodate these guests is to expand our existing presence by building a new, state-of-the-art facility in their beautiful city, spurring both significant economic and financial opportunities."

In the release, company officials cited Bagley's location to Itasca State Park and other outdoor amenities as a reason to expand to the area.

"Our hope is that the new casino will help make Bagley a true destination as well as improve business growth," Marsh said. "We are eager to begin construction this September and expand our presence in the growing Northwest Minnesota region."

In addition to new jobs, the Bagley casino will bring in additional revenue to help fund educational, health, welfare and environmental operations for the White Earth Nation, the release said.

The Shooting Star Casino, Hotel and Event Center in Mahnomen is well known throughout the region as a gaming and entertainment destination.

The White Earth Nation opened the Shooting Star in November 1991, with casino gaming located in temporary facilities, before a grand opening in May 1992, according to the company's website. A $30 million, 145,300 square-foot expansion was completed in 2001 and the facility features the casino, a 15,000 square-foot concert venue and a 386-room hotel, as well as 30,00 square feet in event/meeting space.

According to the website, Shooting Star employs nearly 1,000 with wages and benefits of about $27 million annually.