SEARCH NEWS:

 

Minnesota Gambling Bill Defeated

MINNESOTA – As reported by the Twin Cities Pioneer Press: "An attempt to establish a metro-area casino to benefit the state and two large northern Indian tribes was defeated in a House committee Thursday.

"The House Tax Committee voted 13-9 against a bill sponsored by Rep. Bill Haas, R-Champlin, that would have allowed the Red Lake and White Earth bands, along with the state lottery, to develop a Twin Cities casino.

"The committee vote was a major setback for the attempt to help the two tribes, which have large populations but derive relatively little revenue from their casinos due to their remote locations. The Red Lake reservation is north of Bemidji and White Earth is north of Detroit Lakes. Both bands struggle with poverty and high unemployment.

"…Rep. Alice Hausman, DFL-St. Paul, said she would be willing to increase taxes to help the two tribes, but does not believe gambling should be 'the only solution to poverty.'' Rep. Tom Rukavina, DFL-Virginia, noted that other tribes were concerned about the effects on their casinos of a new metro gambling establishment.

"This is the third year Red Lake and White Earth have come to the Legislature seeking a metropolitan-area casino. Their effort has been opposed by the other tribes.

"Haas said he was surprised by his bill's defeat because he thought he had the votes to pass it. But he said the bill is not dead…"

< Gaming News