BELOIT, Wis. — After more than a decade of planning and development, the Ho-Chunk Nation is preparing to open its newest gaming facility.
Ho-Chunk Gaming Beloit will celebrate its casino grand opening on Friday, Oct. 23, marking the first phase of a larger resort development in Beloit near the Wisconsin-Illinois state line. The casino will open to the general public at 2 p.m. and operate 24 hours a day.
The opening marks a major milestone for a project the Ho-Chunk Nation says has been in development since 2012.
During the first phase, visitors will have access to the casino along with Draft Pick Pub House, Black River Coffee Shop, Livewire Lounge, Food Truck Alley, and a parking garage. The casino floor will feature about 1,300 slot machines, along with blackjack, 3-Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em, roulette, craps, baccarat, I Love Suits, and live Hold ‘Em poker.
The grand opening celebration is also expected to feature Ho-Chunk culture, entertainment, special giveaways and other activities. Additional reporting says the day will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guest speakers, a drum group, dancers, and live entertainment.
A return to an area with deep Ho-Chunk history
The Beloit development carries significance beyond the opening of another gaming facility.
The Ho-Chunk Nation has emphasized its people’s historical connection to the Beloit area. According to the Nation’s announcement, a Ho-Chunk village in the area was historically known as “Keecak,” pronounced “kay-chunk,” a name associated with turtle in the Ho-Chunk language.
Ho-Chunk Nation President Jon Greendeer connected that history to the new development in announcing the opening.
“We can’t believe it’s finally happening and we are extremely excited,” Greendeer said. “We hold so much history in this area, and now we can say we hold an amazing future to share with our friends and partners in the state line region.”
The Beloit location will join the Nation’s existing Ho-Chunk Gaming properties in Black River Falls, Madison, Nekoosa, Tomah, Wisconsin Dells, and Wittenberg.
Casino opening is the first phase of a larger resort
Although casino guests will begin arriving in October, construction on the overall development will continue.
The project’s next phase includes a hotel and convention center scheduled to open in fall 2027, completing the full resort. Current plans call for an 18-story hotel with 312 rooms and a 2,000-seat conference space. The hotel is expected to include a rooftop lounge, lobby bar, pool, and spa.
Once the resort is complete, the Ho-Chunk Nation expects the Beloit operation to employ about 1,500 people.
The development also represents a substantial economic investment in the Beloit area. A January 2026 economic development report from Greater Beloit Economic Development Corporation described the overall project as an approximately $700 million development and the largest economic development project then under construction in the area.
For the Ho-Chunk Nation, however, the opening also represents a new chapter in a place where its people have longstanding historical ties.
“We’re looking forward to opening the doors and showcasing our hospitality with everyone!” the Nation said in its Sept. 23 announcement.
Ho-Chunk Gaming Beloit is located at 777 Willowbrook Road in Beloit, Wisconsin. The casino opens to the public at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23.
Sources:
- Ho-Chunk Nation Office of the President – Ho-Chunk Nation Announces the Casino Grand Opening of Ho-Chunk Gaming Beloit
- Ho-Chunk Gaming Beloit – Official Website and Grand Opening Information
- Indian Gaming – Ho-Chunk Gaming Beloit to Celebrate Grand Opening Oct. 23
- WMTV 15 News – Grand Opening of Ho-Chunk Gaming Beloit Announced
- Greater Beloit Economic Development Corporation – 2026 Beloit 10-Mile City Report
