How did the SMSC become so successful?
Many different economic development initiatives were tried before SMSC Chairman Norman Crooks suggested bringing Indian Gaming to Minnesota in 1982. With support from the General Council, the SMSC began the process of bringing high stakes bingo to the SMSC. Community members worked very hard in the early days to set up the Bingo Hall, working many long hours and late into the night to get everything ready for opening day. Suddenly there were jobs, with Community members working in all areas of the bingo operation as security guards, maintenance staff, and in every position throughout the facility. Community members continue guiding the gaming enterprise today, serving on the Gaming Enterprise Board of Directors and the Gaming Commission and through the actions of the General Council.
