"Minnesota's 2010 election campaign has been all about improving the economy, creating jobs and solving the state's $6 billion budget shortfall. With that focus, it is surprising that so many gubernatorial and legislative candidates have been promoting expansion of gambling as the answer to our state's economic woes.

The truth is, a state-run casino at the Mall of America or Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport; slot machines in bars; "racinos" at the Canterbury Park or Running Aces racetracks, or other gambling expansion proposals will actually kill jobs in greater Minnesota, increase government costs and provide far less in state revenues than proponents have recklessly claimed:

•Jobs: Tribal government gaming has provided a significant employment boost for Minnesota communities. With 18 casino-resorts throughout the state, tribal gaming is among the top 12 employers in Minnesota. A 2009 study commissioned by the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association found that tribal gaming and tribal governments employ more than 16,000 workers in rural Minnesota, with an annual payroll of $420 million. The collective economic impact in greater Minnesota from tribal gaming and spending is more than $1.5 billion, accounting for more than 30,000 jobs and $882 million in family income.

Treasure Island Resort and Casino, owned and operated by the Prairie Island Indian Community, is the largest employer in Goodhue County, providing 1,500 well-paying jobs and spending more than $38 million annually with local businesses and vendors. More than 200 new businesses have been created in the region over the past two decades to support the casino's operations."

Get the Story:
Victoria Winfrey: Fixing budget with gambling is, well, risky (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 10/14)