BELOIT, Wis. -- A Beloit casino is one step closer to reality after the proposal won regional approval from the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs on Monday.

Tribal leaders call the approval a huge step forward for the project.

Regional bureau director Terrance Virden said that the federal officials in Minneapolis gave final regional approval to the proposed $200 million off-reservation gambling casino project at Beloit.

Despite the approval, the plan isn't a sure bet yet. Bureau officials in Washington, D.C., and Gov. Jim Doyle must also sanction the plan. Unidentified sources said that approval from Washington could come as early as 60 days from now or be years away, WISC-TV reported.

The project began in 1999 when the St. Croix and Bad River Chippewa tribes combined to support the idea, which also won the approval of a majority of Beloit residents in referendum in 2000.

According to the proposal, the casino would be built in a field near the interstate.

Project spokesman Joe Hunt said that the decision is huge. On the possibility of getting approval in Washington, Hunt said, "We like our chances."

A Doyle spokesman said that the governor will "consider all factors -- from the support of the local community to potential economic impact on the region -- before making his decision."

A spokesman for U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin said that they hope to have a final decision in just 60 days, WISC-TV reported.

A delegation of tribal leaders, the Beloit city manager and council president, the South Beloit mayor and Rock County administrator will all be in Washington on Wednesday to meet with federal officials about the plan, WISC-TV reported.

Stay tuned to WISC-TV and Channel 3000 for continuing coverage.