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Minnesota Casino Bill Passes

MINNESOTA – As reported by the ECM: "A bill blending Canterbury Park racino with the aspirations of Northern tribes for a metro casino passed a House committee on Friday.

"The bill calls for two separate casinos, one for Canterbury Park, the other for the Northern tribes, to be located at the Canterbury Park facility in Shakopee.

"Unlike the separate Northern tribes legislation carried by Rep. Andy Westerberg, R-Blaine, which is bottled up in the House Tax Committee, the blended bill would not allow for more than two casinos.

"Westerberg's bill, which is less prescriptive, potentially could have placed a racino at the Columbus Township harness track in Anoka County.

"…Originally three Northern tribes — the Red Lake, White Earth and Leech Lake Bands of Chippewa — were united in seeking a metro casino.

"The tribes contend their own casinos are too isolated to meet their acute needs.

"But the blending of racino and the Northern tribes initiative — generally seen as a means of broadening support — has caused concern among some tribal officials.

"…As currently proposed, Canterbury Park and the tribal entity would pay a $100 million one-time licensing fee and an additional $50 million within two years of licensing or opening a permanent gaming facility…"

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