Pro-Gambling Groups Happy With Gubernatorial Choices In Minnesota

The mid-term elections throughout the US in November will come down to some key issues. One of the issues that will be watched closely is expanded gambling. Casino gambling has become one of the top fixes for state governments in trying to balance their budgets.

In Minnesota, the gambling issue has reached a peak. Pro-gambling expansion residents are excited about the candidates that are running for governor. Two of the three candidates are outwardly proposing casino expansion should they win, and the third has a history related to supporting gambling expansion.

The Independent in the race, Tom Horner, is proposing that the two state racetracks be allowed to add slot machines. The money that would be generated from the slots would go towards bridging the budget gap and building a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings.

Mark Dayton is the Democratic Party candidate, and he is pushing a plan that would bring a new casino to the Mall of America. The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is another possible landing place for a casino if Dayton is elected governor. If this plan succeeds, it would provide competition for a tribal casino in the area.

The Indian tribes have fought hard against any gambling expansion. Their casino business would be hurt by increased competition, but the candidates to date have been more concerned with helping the state budget than pacifying the tribes. A compromise could be worked out with the tribes if expansion becomes a reality.

The only one of the three candidates that is not heavily in favor of gambling expansion is Republican Tom Emmer. Although Emmer has actually sponsored casino expansion in the past, he is currently opposed to any expansion. Emmer, however, understanding the implications that could come with ruling out gambling expansion, has said that if the opportunity presents itself he would be open to looking into the idea.

August 26, 2010
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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