MPR: Minnesota tribes facing an expansion of non-Indian gaming

Thursday, December 2, 2010  

"The Mystic Lake casino near Shakopee may be one of the few places in Minnesota where the outcome of the recount in the gubernatorial race between Democrat Mark Dayton and Republican Tom Emmer won't really matter.

No matter who wins, the state's 18 tribal-run casinos are likely to face tough odds in convincing state legislators not to expand gambling.

Some of the staunchest protectors of tribal gaming are out of power at the Capitol, and both of the remaining gubernatorial candidates have spoken in favor of expanding gambling in Minnesota.

Emmer has supported a casino at a horse track in the past. Dayton has proposed a state-sanctioned casino at the Mall of America or at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. A recent Survey USA/KSTP poll found 55 percent of Minnesotans support expanding gambling.

"It's more likely at this point," said John McCarthy, executive director of the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association. "But I don't think its any done deal. It's no slam dunk." "

Get the Story:
New Legislature likely to expand gambling (Minnesota Public Radio 12/1)