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Minnesota Take Could Amount to Half of Casino Profits

MINNESOTA – As reported by the Minnesota Star Tribune: "Gov. Tim Pawlenty's demand last week that tribal casinos pay the state $350 million a year or risk competition from Las Vegas has drawn new attention to an old question: How much money do Minnesota casinos make?

"The casinos don't open their financial books to the public, and audits on file with state or federal agencies are generally imprecise, outdated or nonpublic.

"…'It could be $1 billion,' John McCarthy, director of the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association, said Friday.

"The $350 million that Pawlenty seeks could represent anywhere from 50 percent to nearly 90 percent of total casino profits after expenses are paid, depending how they're defined, McCarthy said.

"…Minnesota's 18 casinos range from remote operations patronized by Indians and other local residents to Vegas-sized businesses. Half of all of the slot machines in the state are located in four casinos -- Mystic Lake, Grand Casino Hinckley, Grand Casino Mille Lacs, near Onamia, and Black Bear in Carlton.

"…Shakopee tribal spokesman William Hardacker denounced Pawlenty's call for $350 million, saying the tribe already gives money to surrounding communities. He said it has given $42 million in the past seven years to charities that help Indians and non-Indians, and $1 million a year to local governments in lieu of taxes.

"…But Pawlenty has said that the tribes haven't provided the financial information needed to determine casino revenues…"

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