by: Gene Koprowski.
A Democratic state senator
is pushing a proposal that will allow video slot machines in bars and
airports in Minnesota. The legislation will help bring in additional
dollars for charitable gambling organizations and education. Sen. Chuck Wiger, of Maplewood, last week said that the video slot
machines could be another way to bring in revenue and ease the state's
spending problems.
"Is it the preferred way to fund education?" said Wiger. "Or is it a supplemental way to help do so in difficult times? Yes."
Sen. Wiger reckons that 3,200 establishments across the state will be allowed to operate video slot machines if the legislation is enacted, bringing in about $1.1 billion a year.
The state's revenues would be split amongst early childhood, K-12 and higher education programs. The higher education component of the measure would fund scholarships for students who earn a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.
This is the second time in the last few years that the state has eyed expanded gambling. In 2005, Gov. Tim Pawlenty and some Republican legislative leaders campaigned to open a state-operated casino at Canterbury Park racetrack in Shakopee, but their efforts were not enough.
The charitable gambling industry is looking forward to more discussions this legislative session about gaming opportunities and how the industry is taxed, said King Wilson, executive director of the association.
More than 1,400 nonprofit organizations — about a third of them veterans groups — earn income from registered charitable gambling activities at 3,000 bars, restaurants and private clubs.
In addition to the video slot machine measure, two other gaming bills have been introduced this session. They would permit bars to operate video pull-tab machines and video lottery terminals.
"If anything is going to drive video gaming this year, it's going to be because it brings in dollars," Wilson added.
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