The tribal units are all Ojibwe bands in the northern third of Minnesota, where some of them have now have small casinos. "The time for a better deal is here," Pawlenty says. "This is about creating fairness--fairness for the people of Minnesota and fairness for the northern tribes who represent approximately 85% of tribal members in the state, but haven't benefited much from existing gaming operations." Pawlenty says he believes a majority of Minnesotans believe gaming needs to change and his proposal does so in a manner that is "responsible and fair."

Fairness to tribes is not Pawlenty's only issue--he'd like to see Minnesota taxpayers benefit from the rapid expansion of tribal gaming over the last 15 years. No site has been selected, although Pawlenty says it should be a "willing host community" to be selected by the Minnesota Lottery and the tribes.

Partners in the Mall of America recently said they would like to have a casino as part of an expansion at their mall, but the City of Bloomington has opposed the proposal. The costs of land acquisition and construction will be financed by the tribes, which may include others beyond the initial three partners.