On April 30, 2004 Rainbow Casino near Nekoosa, WI celebrated the presence of three new table games at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.  Introduced to casino patrons earlier this year, 3 Card Poker, Let it Ride and the only 2-sided Roulette Table in Wisconsin gave table games players’ new entertainment options.  In addition to the staff and patrons, on hand for the celebration were Area IV legislators Gerald Cleveland, Sr., Myrna Thompson, Christine Funmaker-Romano, local dignitaries and invited members of the media from throughout Wisconsin.

Following a brief introduction by Rainbow Security Manager and the day’s Master of Ceremonies, Randy Snowball, and a Welcome Song performed by the Lake Delton Singers, Representative Cleveland offered a prayer and a few remarks prior to the ribbon cutting.  Stating that he was glad the Nation got the approval to offer the new games, part of last year’s compact negotiations with the state, he hopes that everyone gets to play and enjoy the new games.  Because patrons will longer have to travel to Las Vegas, Michigan or elsewhere to play the games, Cleveland hinted that future plans at Rainbow include building a hotel at the site.

Representative Gerald Cleveland, Sr. hopes everyone enjoys Rainbow's new games.

On April 30, 2004 Rainbow Casino near Nekoosa, WI celebrated the presence of three new table games at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.  Introduced to casino patrons earlier this year, 3 Card Poker, Let it Ride and the only 2-sided Roulette Table in Wisconsin gave table games players’ new entertainment options.  In addition to the staff and patrons, on hand for the celebration were Area IV legislators Gerald Cleveland, Sr., Myrna Thompson, Christine Funmaker-Romano, local dignitaries and invited members of the media from throughout Wisconsin.

Following a brief introduction by Rainbow Security Manager and the day’s Master of Ceremonies, Randy Snowball, and a Welcome Song performed by the Lake Delton Singers, Representative Cleveland offered a prayer and a few remarks prior to the ribbon cutting.  Stating that he was glad the Nation got the approval to offer the new games, part of last year’s compact negotiations with the state, he hopes that everyone gets to play and enjoy the new games.  Because patrons will longer have to travel to Las Vegas, Michigan or elsewhere to play the games, Cleveland hinted that future plans at Rainbow include building a hotel at the site.

Dave Abangan, Director of Marketing at Rainbow, stated that an effort is underway to better promote both Rainbow Casino and Rainbow Bingo.  Included in the plan, he said, is the creation of new billboards that will hopefully make the site easier to find for those not living in the area.  He added that the casino’s rural location sometimes makes it difficult to find and that a renewed effort is underway to make Rainbow a casino found by choice, not by chance.

Located on County Road G, four miles south of Nekoosa, in addition to the new table games, Rainbow offers Blackjack and approximately 680 slots and video poker machines on its 37,000 sq.ft. gaming floor.  A Banquet Center setting up to 250 people is available for all occasions and the Rainbow Grille & Lounge offers a fine dining menu comparable to any in the area.  A Smoke & Gift Shop featuring crafts made by tribal artisans and a Snack Bar offering daily specials are also on site.  To request information or plan an event call 1-800-782-4560.

Prior to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Nekoosa mayor Gordy Freeman stated the Nation has been a “good neighbor” to the community.  In addition to providing jobs and purchasing from local vendors, Freeman noted that the Nation has made many quiet contributions to the area.  For example, he said, that a few years ago when the Nekoosa American Legion Baseball Team qualified for a Nation Tournament in Pratt, Kansas, the Ho-Chunk Nation financed the trip.  The trip, he said, “gave 16 kids an experience that they will never forget.”  He concluded that the Nation’s presence continues to be a positive for the Nekoosa community and hopes the Nation expands within the area.