Opinion: Negotiate new compacts in Minnesota

Friday, February 20, 2009  

"As we face an expected $7 billion state budget deficit, many gambling proposals are being introduced — from installing gaming machines in bars or at the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport, to legalizing sports betting around the state.

Obviously this would raise revenue without raising taxes, as those who would play the new games would have their “contributions” sent directly to the state’s coffers.

I believe that we already have plenty of gambling options available. I also think we should look at our current gaming sources — such as tribal casinos — and see if they should provide money to the state in lieu of taxes to help offset gambling’s costs to our society.

The state of Minnesota entered into legal agreements, called compacts, with Native American tribes more than 20 years ago. These compacts established rules for blackjack and slot machine gambling. As part of these agreements, the tribes are not required to share their gaming revenue with Minnesota.

That’s not the case in all states. At least nine states collect proceeds from tribes operating casinos, ranging from 2 to 25 percent of collected revenue."

Get the Story:
Minnesota Rep. Steve Drazkowski: Tribes should renegotiate compacts with state (The Red Wing Republican-Eagle 2/20)