Competing gaming plans get hearing in Minnesota

Thursday, March 17, 2005  

Lawmakers in Minnesota held the first hearings on competing proposals to expand gaming in the state.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) has proposed a partnership with three rural tribes for a casino in the Twin Cities. The deal is expected to generate $200 million up front for the state, plus about $164 million a year afterward.

Other lawmakers are seeking to convert the Canterbury Park into a "racino" by adding slot machines, a plan that would create $100 million up front and an estimated $100 million a year afterwards.

A final proposal would legalize slot machines in bars, which would raise an estimated $352 million a year for the state.

Get the Story:
3 gambling plans heard out (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 3/17)
pwlat
Casino bills get first hearing (AP 3/17)
Red Lake members wary of casino deal (AP 3/17)