Bet on hearing a lot about betting this week. Don't stake much, though, on the Legislature backing more slot machines or blackjack tables this year. Like leaders in many states, Minnesota legislators seeking to expand legalized gambling think their proposals deserve a closer look as a way to guide much-needed money into depleted state checkbooks.
So, beginning Monday the House Governmental Operations and Veterans Affairs Committee will spend as many as three hearings on bills authorizing everything from sports betting to state-run casinos to private gambling businesses. One bill's sponsor, Rep. Tony Kielkucki, R-Lester Prairie, said the state's projected $4.23 billion deficit might make proponent's arguments "more inviting." But Kielkucki, R-Lester Prairie, knows strong opposition remains.
Indeed, Gov. Tim Pawlenty and key senators aren't convinced that any time is right for more gambling. "It's money mania," Pawlenty said last week of the bundle of gambling bills introduced so far. "These are creative ways but maybe inappropriate ways to get more money into the state's coffers. I understand that motive, but expanding gambling is not a good way to do it."
Gov.s and legislators in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Oklahoma, Vermont, North Carolina and other states are proposing more casinos or lotteries to plug budget shortfalls. In Minnesota, the leading proposal would add a casino at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, built with private financing and run by the state lottery. Backers say it could mean as much as $75 million a year for the state.
Kielkucki's bill would put a constitutional amendment before voters to allow one privately run casino. If approved, the casino's operator would pay $450 million upfront for a 30-year license and a 15 percent tax on gross revenues, most of which would go to the state's general treasury. "It went down in flames last year," Kielkucki said. "It's still a big uphill battle."
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