About 1,500 protesters representing tribal casinos across
the state of Minnesota gathered in Minneapolis yesterday to
oppose legislation that would expand gaming to bars and taverns across the
state as well as to two racetracks.
The protesters were on hand to promote the interests of Minnesota’s 31 tribal
casinos, which have a statewide economic impact of $2.75 billion and employ
over 41,000 people directly and indirectly, according to the Minnesota Indian Gaming
Association.
Curt Kalk, secretary/treasurer of the Mille Lacs Band of
Ojibwe, which owns two central Minnesota
casinos, told the Associated Press that expanded gaming in the state would be a
zero-sum game.
“What we would see would be simply a massive transfer of
jobs and economic activity away from communities around casinos,” Kalk said. He
estimates that the Mille Lacs Band could lose up to 40 percent of its business
if the nearby Running Aces horse-racing track in Columbus were allowed to have slot machines.
Less than a month remains in the current legislative
session. Gov. Mark Dayton has expressed support for racino portion of the bill
and the revenues it would create for early childhood education, while calling
alcohol and gambling “a bad combination.”
Tribal casinos rally against Minn. gambling bill
April 27, 2011
No Comments