For years, some residents of Beloit have been asking for a casino to help their economy. Now, the effort to bring casino gaming to Beloit could be a step closer to reality.

On Thursday, Senate Democratic Leader Judy Robson, of Beloit, says the proposed casino still requires approval from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, but says she expects to gain this approval within the next couple of weeks. Meanwhile, this morning Gov. Doyle says he will consider the proposal only after the federal government has given its approval, and the bill makes its way to his desk.

Robson says, "Beloit is so, so close, and it's such a economic development tool for Beloit. We need the jobs, we need the growth, and we're hoping the Governor will support it." Gov. Doyle says, "If it ever comes to my desk, I will give it a fair hearing and I will look at all the facts, and I will look at the record that's been developed in front of the federal government, and I'll make a judgment at that time on what's what I consider to be in the best interests of a particular community and of the whole state."

Robson says the casino has already received support from 63 percent of Beloit residents adding it would help provided an economic boost to the local economy.