Minnesota Lawmakers Discuss Four Expanded Gambling Proposals

Minnesota is again in the situation of having to sort out the expanded gambling issue. On Thursday, the House Commerce and Labor Committee heard four different gambling expansion proposals, all the while trying to figure out if the Bills should move forward.

Representative Tom Hackbarth is pushing a plan that would bring slot gambling to two racetracks in the state. The racing industry has been devastated by the economic recession throughout the US, and expanded gambling has been a possible solution in many of these states.

In addition to helping out the racetracks, Hackbarth's proposal would help fund a new Minnesota Vikings football stadium. The stadium issue is one that has been hotly contested over the past couple of years.

Rep. Phyllis Kahn has two proposals on the table. The first would bring slots to the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport. The second has much less of a chance of passing, with Kahn proposing legalized sports betting.

The fourth proposal that was discussed comes from Rep. Robin Brown. The lawmakers would like to see electronic pull-tab machines be used instead of the paper pull-tabs that are currently being offered. If approved, this plan would bring an estimated $18 million to the state each year.

The plans did not have their detractors. On hand to dispute the claim that additional gambling would be good for the state were members from the Minnesota Family Council. Tom Pritchard, from the Council, called gambling an "unhealthy activity."

February 27, 2010
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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