Meskwaki Casino's Closure Hurting Area Business

TAMA, Iowa -- Some area hotels and shops said Sunday the closing of the Meskwaki casino after a drawn out tribal dispute is hurting business.

The casino, about four miles west of Toledo, was closed Friday by U.S. marshals.

Vick Varga, a manager at the local Super 8 Motel, said only eight of the hotel's 47 rooms were booked for Saturday. She said the closing will hurt the whole community, taking away tourists who stay at the hotels, eat at local restaurants and fill up at gas stations.


The Meskwaki hotel and restaurant remained open Saturday. Meskwaki casino officials said 50 to 60 rooms were full that night, but another 125 remained empty.

The closure has been good for at least one business the Isle of Capri casino in Marquette.

Michael Ehrlich, director of casino operations, said some customers came to the casino after their weekend plans at Meskwaki fell through.