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Minnesota Bill Aims to Unplug Slots

MINNESOTA – As reported by the Minnesota Pioneer Press: "Two Republican lawmakers Wednesday proposed shutting down about 20,000 slot machines in 18 Indian casinos across Minnesota unless tribes agree to share their gambling profits with the state and with one another.

"The new legislation comes four weeks after Gov. Tim Pawlenty said it is time for non-Indian Minnesotans to get a 'better deal' out of the casino monopoly the state's tribes have held for 15 years. And it comes as legislators, especially Republicans, are engaged in a flurry of debate over expanding gambling.

"House Speaker Steve Sviggum said through a spokesman that he supports passage of the anti-slots bill. And he said Tuesday that House Republicans soon will propose using new state revenue from gaming to ease some of last year's budget cuts.

"…The anti-slots bill is sponsored by Rep. Jim Knoblach, R-St. Cloud, and Sen. Tom Neuville, R-Northfield. They expect the bill to face a long court challenge if it is enacted.

"Gordon Adams Jr., a member of the Bois Fort tribal council, called the bill 'pure extortion on the part of the state.'…"

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